The reshuffle sees the communities department replaced by a ministry for social justice. The new deputy social justice minister is Margaret Curran, currently the convenor of the social inclusion, voluntary sector and housing backbench committee, but who will now stand down from that role.
Wendy Alexander will be taking over the post of minister for enterprise and lifelong learning. The ministry for finance and local government will be overseen by Angus McKay, previously the deputy justice minister.
As deputy in the communities department, Baillie had particular responsibility for social inclusion and was widely seen as the key figure behind a number of initiatives, including the homelessness task force.
Baillie will now be overseeing the final drafting and passage of the Scottish housing bill, subject of ongoing controversy, which will be produced at the end of this year.
Housing associations and homelessness organisations have argued that the extended right-to-buy proposed as part of the single social tenancy will erode much needed social housing stock.
Michelle Jordan, Shelter Scotland public affairs officer said: "We certainly welcome Jackie Baillie's appointment as minister for social justice. She is well versed in the many issues facing the housing sector. We hope to be having discussions with her over the executive's proposals to extend the right-to-buy to housing associations."
Chris Campbell, deputy director for the Scottish Council of Single Homeless, said: "As the national membership body for individuals and organisations tackling homelessness in Scotland, we are delighted about Jackie's appointment given that she has already played a part in addressing homelessness through chairing the homelessness task force."
Source
Housing Today
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