Every child born in Scotland should have one unbreakable promise: you will never be homeless.

Scotland is in a housing calamity. As of 30 September 2025, 18,092 households — including 10,480 children — were living in temporary accommodation, many in hotels and B&Bs for long periods. Presently the numbers are increasing unabated.

Recently, in a shopping centre, I asked a father who was holding his newborn son in his arms:

“Would you want a guaranteed Housing Birthright for your son — cradle to grave, used only if needed — so he is never at risk of homelessness?” He immediately said YES. That moment made it personal. No parent should have to worry that their child could one day end up without a home.

I have now lodged an official petition with the Scottish Parliament calling for a guaranteed legal Housing Birthright for every child born in Scotland from the date the law comes into effect. This would create a permanent national duty to provide safe, secure housing at the point of need — not as charity, but as a fundamental guarantee that no child born here will ever experience homelessness.

Scotland already has strong homelessness rights, but they are simply not enough. Too many children and families still fall through the cracks.

Please sign and share this petition and help us push the Scottish Government to make this bold but necessary promise to every future generation. No child born in Scotland should ever be homeless.

Decision Maker:
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland