Scottish landlords and agents have a new housing secretary to deal with after incumbent Paul McLennan (pictured, below) has made way for Màiri McAllan (main image) following a mini reshuffle.
The move puts housing at a more lofty level within government - while McLennan was one of the Scottish Government's ministers, McAllan hold a place in the Scottish cabinet - putting her much closer to the decision making process.
McLennan, who has had the unenviable job of balancing the demands of landlords and tenant groups as the SNP Government has introduced new housing legislation and particularly rent controls, has stepped down following a period of ill health.
In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, Mr McLennan described it as “an honour and privilege” to serve as Housing Minister – a role he has held since 2023.
“I have been proud to be a Minister but I am aware that to be a Minister, and of course to serve the constituents that elect us, requires long hours and good health.
“After a recent, though thankfully short, period of ill health, I therefore think it is best that I step down from ministerial office at this time to focus on my health andserving my constituents in East Lothian.
“Tackling the housing crisis and homelessness is crucial and I am proud of the work this government has done to do just that, including my role in leading the Housing Investment Taskforce which highlights the actions we can take to support more investment in housing.”
McAllan returns to the Scottish cabinet after a period of maternity leave – she was previously Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy and is a corporate lawyer by trade.
Swinney said on her appointment to the housing brief: “Màiri McAllan has been tasked with tackling the housing emergency, including ensuring we have energy efficient homes to help bring down bills and tackle the climate emergency.
“These are two of the biggest challenges facing people across the country and I want them to know they have a government firmly on their side and focused on delivering real change.”
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark (pictured), says: “We welcome Mairi McAllan MSP to the post of Housing Minister in the Scottish Government and we thank Paul McLennan MSP for his engagement with the sector.
“Tackling the housing emergency and ensuring energy efficiency proposals for the property sector are fit for purpose must be top of Mairi McAllan’s to do list alongside a commitment to review and reduce all costs and taxes impacting private landlords and home buyers and sellers.
“This is key to ensuring the Scottish Government is implementing pro-growth policies to reduce the cost of renting and make it easier for people to move up and down the housing ladder.”
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