The Scottish Parliament

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S7W-02915

Asked by: Ariane Burgess, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 03 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 17 September 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken since May 2026 to deliver on its November 2025 commitment to create bespoke national statutory housing standards for seasonal agricultural workers.

My officials completed a scoping exercise and considered evidence on: accommodation conditions and the results of engagement with farm employers, local authorities, Scotland’s Rural College, the Workers Support Centre and the National Farmers Union of Scotland.

Following consideration of this work, the previous Cabinet Secretary for Housing wrote to COSLA on 13 March 2026 stating her expectations that local authorities should use the powers granted them to introduce byelaws suited to their areas and the specific circumstances relating to seasonal workers in their area’.

These powers are given to local authorities in Section 315 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987.

Following the letter being sent, an initial meeting took place between officials and COSLA to reiterate the Scottish Government’s expectations.

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Question reference: S7W-02915

Answer