Update

Homelessness and the Abolition of Priority Need by 2012 (Consultation on the Ministerial Statement)

Background

A consultation on the content of a Statement by Scottish Ministers to advise the Parliament on progress being made under homelessness legislation was published by the Scottish Executive on the 18^th August.

Passed in 2003, the Homelessness Etc. (Scotland) Act requires a Ministerial Statement this year on the abolition of 'priority need' by 2012.

Presently, all people applying as homeless have the right to temporary accommodation and advice and assistance, but only those people assessed as being in 'priority need' are currently entitled to permanent accommodation if they are unintentionally homeless. By abolishing 'priority need' under the new legislation, all people who are unintentionally homeless will be entitled to a permanent home by 2012.

SCSH Members Briefing 19^th August 2005

SCSH held a members briefing on the content of the Statement and a number of issues were raised and included the following –

·        More emphasis required on supply of affordable housing and diverse housing solutions, and less on allocation policies

·        More data/information required on the nature of the Private Rented Sector (e.g. size and affordability)

·        More information required on resource funding allocations. There should be a move away from annualised budgets and greater monitoring of funding streams

·        Importance of review/evaluation of LA homelessness strategies. Pro-forma exercise should be revisited approximately every two years

·        ‘Big-bang’ approach to removing  'priority need' would be inappropriate and unworkable

·        A workable interim solution identified by members is an age-based ‘ratcheting’ system which would include individuals currently not in 'priority need'

·        More focus required on addiction strategies and Health and Homelessness Standards. Leaving Home Education not part of listed preventions strategies

SCSH urges its members to respond to the consultation. The deadline for consultation responses is October 14, 2005.

The full document can be viewed on the Scottish Executive website here