Willie Rennie

Party leader Willie Rennie said the rate of homeless deaths is three times higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK as he pledged legislation to impose stronger duties on public bodies to address the problem.

He also said the Lib Dems would work to bring an end to rough sleeping and homelessness by providing more housing and support services as well as new “pathways” for young homeless people to housing in addition to jobs and training.

A Scottish government under the party would also build 60,000 new affordable homes, including 40,000 for social rent.

Mr Rennie said: “Whether it’s living on the streets, sofa-surfing or shuttling between temporary accommodation, these situations take a huge toll on people’s mental and physical health. It also exerts a huge toll on children’s education and development. It stops people getting on.”