MSP for the Highlands and Islands Emma Roddick has been appointed to the Local Government, Housing & Planning Committee at the Scottish Parliament.

The Committee focuses on housing provision, building standards, the planning system, democracy, and local councils in Scotland, scrutinising the work of government and suggesting or making changes to legislation and policy.

The Committee will scrutinise the upcoming Housing Bill which Ms Roddick is looking forward to contributing to.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Roddick said:

“Housing is an issue very close to my heart after experiencing homelessness myself when I was younger, so I am absolutely delighted to be joining this committee, one I had hoped to join when I was first elected.

“We need folk involved in the policymaking process who have lived experience as they know best what will and won’t work. It is such a personal thing to have somewhere to call home and a place where you feel safe, and I know that the insecurity of not having this can impact a person’s life forever

“That is why I am really excited to join this Committee to make sure everyone in communities across the Highlands and Islands have a place to call home, to contribute to the upcoming Housing Bill in Parliament, and to make sure we end homelessness in Scotland.”