SCOTTISH Labour demanded action today on the scandal of record numbers of children laguishing in temporary accommodation across the country.

Ahead of stage two of the Housing (Scotland) Bill being considered next month, Scottish Labour housing spokesman Mark Griffin used a Holyrood debate today to call on all parties to back amendments to the Bill which would make consideration of the rights and best interests of a child a statutory duty for homelessness prevention services.

Mr Griffin is also seeking support for amendments based on Awaab’s Law — named for two year-old Awaab Ishaka, whose death was deemed to be the result of a mould infestation in his parents’ Rochdale flat — which would strengthen requirements on landlords to deal with hazards such as mould and damp.

He said: “Under the SNP, a housing emergency has taken hold in Scotland and there are thousands of children paying the price.

“Right now, more than 10,000 children are stuck in limbo without a home to call their own, and many of them are living in unsuitable and harmful conditions.

“We have a moral duty to do right by children, whether they are at risk of homelessness, living in temporary accommodation or simply renting mouldy and unsafe homes.

“Scottish Labour will shine a light on this important issue in our debate, and our amendments to the Housing Bill will seek to protect some of the most vulnerable children in Scotland.

“I hope all parties can unite behind Scottish Labour’s efforts to tackle this scandal and enshrine in law greater protections for children across our housing system.”

SNP housing minister Paul McLennan told Parliament that he would be “happy to engage” on Mr Griffin’s proposals, adding: “Every child deserves a safe and warm place to call home, it’s a fundamental human right.”