HUMZA Yousaf has been accused of damaging the "social fabric" of Scotland after SNP and Green MSPs pushed through a savage £196million cut to affordable housing in a crucial budget vote.
Campaign groups hit out at the housing cut which came as figures revealed Scotland is experiencing record levels of homelessness.
Yousaf faced severe criticism last night after his first budget as First Minister was pushed through by 68 votes to 55.
Central to the spending plans for the next financial year are income tax rises which raise the rates for Scots earning more than £75,000.
But Yousaf also backed spending cuts in key areas to balance the budget. One of the biggest was a near £200million reduction for affordable housing, which campaign groups pleaded to be ditched.
He also linked funding for local authorities to a council tax freeze critics believe benefits the wealthy and leads to further cuts.
Campaigners hit out at the budget, with STUC general secretary Roz Foyer saying: "In passing this budget, the Scottish Parliament are passing on cuts that will be deeply damaging to the social fabric of our communities and have let the Scottish Government off the hook.
"This budget significantly cuts funding for local government, further and higher education as well as cutting the capital investment needed to tackle both the climate and housing crises." Earlier this week, a range of campaign groups made a plea to the First Minister in the Record to row back on cuts to the housing budget.
Last night the groups spoke of their disappointment that the package was voted through by SNP and Green MSPs.
Chris Birt of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said: "The decision to cut social housing budgets is not one a poverty-fighting government should be making.
This story is from the February 28, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 28, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KEEP CALM & VALAKARI ON
New boss still watching from stand but Kirk says it Saint an obstacle
NO MAD THING
Slot says he's not worried about TAA to Real talk
Kids need a healthy diet to concentrate
Five-a-day fruit and veg scheme a major boost
NEIGH LUCK
Kelpies creator Andy tells how work dried up after he finished landmark.
Sails force greets the royals on Aussie trip
THE famous sails of Sydney Opera House give the King and Queen a special welcome as they touch down on their tour of Australia.
CHIP SHOP ASSAULTS RAP STAR QUITS CLUB
A SCOTTISH Premiership club has announced the departure of a player after he was charged with assault.
NOW END THE WAR
Peace plea after death of Hamas Oct 7 chief
Tributes to 'angel' Alana killed in A71 horror smash
A WOMAN who was killed in a horror crash in Ayrshire has been named locally as barmaid Alana Muir.
Bus driver death: Teen pleads guilty
Drunk yob headbutted and rained punches on Keith
REEVES EYES INHERITANCE IN TAX RAIDS
Chancellor also mulls welfare cuts to find £40bn