IN Glasgow, the term housing crisis has become a monotonous echo, reverberating through the corridors of power with little to no effect.

It is considered that Glasgow has been experiencing a housing emergency for quite some time.

But the narrative is always the same: lofty promises, grand strategies, same beaten path without significant action.

The plight of thousands of Glaswegians in need of a home continues unabated, raising the question: When will enough actually be done?

Rewind to 2015, Nicola Sturgeon’s commitment to build 50,000 affordable homes seemed like a beacon of hope.

Fast forward to the present, and this promise has fizzled out into a glaring example of political posturing.

The SNP’s shortfall in meeting its housing target is not just a matter of missed numbers; it’s a testament to a deeper systemic failure that plagues our housing sector.

The reasons cited for this failure – labour shortages in construction, the impact of inflation, Brexit – while valid, are increasingly sounding like convenient excuses.

In 2019, the Scottish Government’s own working group pointed out the “skill and supply shortages” and called for investment in our colleges in training for technologies. Yet, the response to these calls has been tepid at best.

Consider the state of our further education sector, which has faced years of underinvestment.

The warning there is a risk of a “skills emergency” by the chair of Colleges Scotland isn’t just an alarm bell, it’s a siren call for immediate action. And yet, the response has been woefully inadequate.

Let’s look at the human cost of this housing crisis. Shelter Scotland’s reports of a high number of children in temporary accommodation in Glasgow paints a harrowing picture of the future we are building for our young generation.

The issue goes beyond the numbers, it’s about the very fabric of our society, which is being eroded by instability and uncertainty.  As the Scottish Government prepares its budget, I wonder whether this crisis will be given the priority it desperately needs.

There must be additional funding for the acquisition of temporary housing.

Allocating resources for additional housing is not just a fiscal decision, it’s a moral imperative.

It’s about acknowledging the failures and gaps in our current strategies and being brave enough to adopt new, innovative solutions.

But are our leaders listening? The need for strict reviews, accountability and timely action cannot be overstated.

Moreover, this crisis demands a collaborative approach, transcending party lines, especially in matters such as accelerated asylum. The commitment to stand united against discrimination and to work for community cohesion and the well-being of all Glasgow citizens must be more than just words.

The bottom line is that Glasgow’s housing emergency is not just about the lack of homes – it is the lack of action, lack of funding and lack of effective solutions. The people of Glasgow have waited long enough for tangible changes.

It’s high time words are match with deeds. Only then can we begin to hope that enough will finally be done.

It is time for everyone to have a home.