SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, has called upon the Scottish Government to make housing a top priority for the foreseeable future.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament – first during the Scottish Government’s housing debate – and then during general questions, the East End MSP called for the SNP Government’s focus to be on building more housing.

Mr Mason, who previously worked for three housing associations, welcomed the Scottish Government’s success with transport projects such as the M74 extension and the new Airdrie-Bathgate rail line, which links Glasgow and Edinburgh, but said that as well as transport, housing should be a top priority over the next five years.

Speaking from Holyrood, John Mason MSP said:

“We have had a string of welcome investments in the transport infrastructure, which have been great but, personally, I believe the top focus must be building new affordable, socially rented housing.

“The main issue constituents speak to me about is housing. Over 50% of the casework I deal with relates to housing and there is clearly a real shortage of good quality, affordable housing in Glasgow.

“As well as improving the quality of people’s lives, I believe that more house building will stimulate the economy and create jobs which can only be a good thing during these tough times.

“In Government the SNP have already built a record number of new affordable houses, but we must go even further than that. I was challenged in this morning’s debate to make housing my priority and only minutes later I raised this with Ministers during general questions. My personal commitment to new housing – along with better primary schools – is my top priority over the next five years and I will continue to make that case in the Scottish Parliament”.