The SNP take the need for affordable housing in Renfrewshire seriously. That’s why more than £47million worth of investment will be coming to the area over the next three years.

Everyone deserves and should have a safe, warm, affordable home. We’ve already seen new social housing being built in Renfrew, Erskine and Gallowhill and the SNP Scottish Government have shown their commitment by continuing to invest money in new housing to meet local needs. This is compared to the six council houses Labour built in the whole of Scotland during their last term in office.

Providing affordable homes is also vital in our drive to secure economic growth and tackle inequalities – something which benefits everyone in Renfrewshire.

The Scottish Government has also extended the Help to Buy scheme, which has supported more than 600 Renfrewshire buyers over the last five years. From next year, a further £100million will be invested.

With this, there can be no doubt the SNP are serious about affordable housing need in the area and I am delighted to be part of a Scottish Government which is taking these steps.

I am also delighted that, after years of campaigning by politicians, charities and former gamblers, the UK Government has finally decided to reduce the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) in bookies. FOBTs are the machines often found in betting shops, hosting games such as roulette. We have around 150 in Renfrewshire.

At present, gamblers can bet up to £100 every 20 seconds. This is to now be capped at £2. The latest data shows more than £6million was lost on these machines in Renfrewshire in 2016, with more than £43million being lost between 2008 and 2016. That is £43million solely in Renfrewshire.

The stories of people becoming addicted to these machines due to the rapid pace in which money can be lost, which is very different to the traditional forms of gambling, is devastating, resulting in debt and family breakdowns. It has been one of the biggest social issues of the past decade.

When I was minister for local government and planning, I held a summit on this issue, with the work produced resulting in the legislation brought forward by the Scottish Government 18 months ago, meaning anyone intending to change the use of a premises to a betting shop is now likely to have to apply to their local planning authority for permission. Previously, some shops or services on the high street could easily be transformed into betting offices without needing any planning permission. However, in terms of FOBTs and the stakes involved, the power has lay with the UK Government and I am glad they have finally seen sense.

But it’s imperative we go further, such as tackling the link between young people and gambling and the easy availability of online gambling. The Scottish Government will study these reports carefully and take whatever action is necessary within our devolved powers to help protect people.