Highlands and Islands MSP appointed to Scottish Parliament’s local government, housing and planning committee
A Highlands and Islands MSP who was once homeless has been appointed to a Scottish Parliamentary committee which focuses on housing.
SNP politician Emma Roddick has been appointed to the local government, housing and planning committee which will scrutinise the upcoming Housing Bill.
“Housing is an issue very close to my heart after experiencing homelessness myself when I was younger, so I am absolutely delighted to be joining this committee, one I had hoped to join when I was first elected,” she said.
Tackling Scotland's population challenges
New report shows over 30,500 homes in Highland area face housing needs
The Committee focuses on housing provision, building standards, the planning system, democracy, and local councils in Scotland, scrutinising the work of government and suggesting or making changes to legislation and policy.
Ms Roddick is looking forward to contributing to the work on the Housing Bill.
“We need folk involved in the policymaking process who have lived experience as they know best what will and won’t work,” she said.
“It is such a personal thing to have somewhere to call home and a place where you feel safe, and I know that the insecurity of not having this can impact a person’s life forever
“That is why I am really excited to join this committee to make sure everyone in communities across the Highlands and Islands have a place to call home, to contribute to the upcoming Housing Bill in Parliament, and to make sure we end homelessness in Scotland.”