People waiting for social housing in Scotland experience significant negative impacts to their mental and physical health, children, finances, social life and employment, according to new research.

Commissioned by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and housing association Wheatley Group, findings from the ‘Still Waiting’ report show the “devastating” experience of some of the 250,000 Scots “trapped” in queues for affordable homes.

Many of the 30 people aged between their 20s and 60s who were interviewed for the project reported living in properties with poor conditions such as disrepair and mould; feelings of insecurity due to not having a permanent or suitable home, and unaffordable rent or high bills.