Asking the Cabinet Secretary for finance on its work with North Lanarkshire Council to recognise and address the exceptional investment requirements of former Cumbernauld Development Corporation housing stock, the local Labour MSP called on the Scottish Government "in recognition of the exceptional investment that is required, to support North Lanarkshire Council with additional funding to remedy that and meet the needs relating to those high-rise flats"

John Swinney responding, acknowledged the seriousness of the matter. Speaking in Parliament, John Swinney said:

"I understand that the Government's housing investment division has discussed with North Lanarkshire Council the challenges that it faces in relation to the housing stock of the former Cumbernauld Development Corporation. The Government has been supporting the council and exploring new ways to use the new, more flexible enforcement and financial assistance powers under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. The Government will, of course, continue discussions with the council in that respect."

"We recently supported the Cumbernauld Housing Partnership in employing consultants to assess the condition of its stock and to work towards determining solutions, and the Government remains ready to have further discussions with the council in that regard."

Cathie Craigie MSP said:

"Serious investment is needed for Cumbernauld’s multi-storey flats. While I appreciate the Scottish Government's work with North Lanarkshire Council and Cumbernauld Housing Partnership is ongoing, I will continue to press for real action from government to secure better homes for residents in Cumbernauld. Only by working in partnership can a sustainable solution that best meets housing needs in our local community be found."