SNP MSP for Glasgow Anne McLaughlin yesterday called on social landlords to pay more attention to people with mental health problems. Speaking in the Housing (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 debate, the Glasgow MSP said that she could not understand why there was no obligation on housing associations to take someone's mental health in to account before making decisions that impact on their tenancies.

The MSP said:" I want to mention a group of people who I believe should get the same support but who too often slip through the net: people who live with mental health problems."

The Glasgow MSP referred to a constituent who had given up her tenancy in a sought after part of the city, whilst unwell with bipolar disorder. The housing association simply accepted her decision with no questions asked, despite the decision having far reaching consequences for the family concerned.

"Issues need to be addressed, and I believe that social housing providers should have some obligation to tenants with identified mental health problems. That could mean something as simple as a requirement on the housing association to help such tenants to access support that it cannot provide before a final decision on the tenancy is reached.

"Some have suggested that I want people with mental health problems to be given better treatment than other tenants, but that is like saying that someone in a wheelchair who has adaptations to their house is treated more favourably. The issue is simply about equality. Tenants with mental health problems should be given additional support so that they are treated not better than but equally to other tenants."

Commenting after the debate Ms McLaughlin said:" I hope that the Minister will take these issues on board and will incorporate measures in any new legislation that will ensure those with mental health problems are given the support they deserve."