MSPs are being urged to tackle the homeless problem

Newly-elected MSPs are being urged to deliver promises made by the last parliament to tackle homelessness in Scotland.

The charity Shelter Scotland estimates that more than 2,000 children became homeless during the month it took MSPs to get elected.

It revealed the figure to remind MSPs of the commitments made by the last parliament to tackle homelessness and poor quality housing.

Shelter also estimates that 200 families lost their homes due to eviction actions and 1,300 council houses were sold during the election campaign.

The charity believes that MSPs have four years to put plans into action to ensure decent, safe and affordable housing for everyone in Scotland.

It is dreadful that over 2,000 children became homeless during the month it took MSPs to get elected Liz Nicholson Shelter Scotland

It has set out a 12-point agenda for the Scottish Parliament, which passed a bill in March which will give everyone the right to a home by 2012.

The legislation was described as the most progressive homelessness legislation in Europe.

Shelter proposes a significant increase in investment in housing, a review of policies which encourage homelessness rather than preventing it, and an end to the high number of evictions that take place in Scotland every year.

Shelter Scotland director Liz Nicholson said: "There is no doubt that devolution has helped homelessness and housing in Scotland but there is still much more to be done.

"It is dreadful that over 2,000 children became homeless during the month it took MSPs to get elected."

'Opportunity to build'

She added: "Newly-elected MSPs have the opportunity to build upon plans developed by the last parliament to tackle homelessness and poor housing.

"They must seize this now if they truly believe that everyone in Scotland has the right to a decent, secure and safe home."

Shelter has called for a number of changes to tackle homelessness, including regulation of the private rented sector.

It also wants a review of the tenants' right to buy scheme and the overhaul of the planning system to give priority to affordable housing where it is needed.

Between 2001 to 2002, an estimated 73,600 people were homeless in Scotland.