Homelessness Task Force Report ‘fires the starting pistol for serious action to tackle homelessness in Scotland ’

The Scottish Council for Single Homeless welcomes publication of the Homelessness Task Force Report.

SCSH Director Robert Aldridge, a member of the Task Force, said:

‘The report sets a challenging agenda for central and local government, the health service and others working to tackle homelessness in Scotland . Although it marks the end of the work of the Task Force it fires the starting pistol for the start of serious action at all levels to make inroads into homelessness in Scotland . The report will have failed if it simply sits on shelves gathering dust. The challenge is to translate its wide-ranging recommendations into concrete action.’

He continued:

‘The report is as much about changing attitudes and practices as it is about changing the law. But it also recognises that to tackle homelessness effectively we need an improved supply of affordable, good quality housing in places where people want to live. It will need resources and we welcome the fact that the Scottish Executive has recognised this.’

‘We do have some concerns about the report. Firstly the momentum for action and change, including legislative change must not be allowed to slip. The radical proposals to extend and ultimately abolish the ‘priority need’ provision over ten years must be backed by political will and appropriate resources.

Secondly the crucial role of support for people to prevent homelessness arising and to ensure solutions last has to be recognised at all levels, and may need additional resources.’

 Robert Aldridge concluded:

‘The real test of the Task Force Report will be how things change on the ground - whether homeless people get a better deal and if we make a significant dent in the high level of homelessness in Scotland.’

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Notes

1. Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) is the national membership body for organisations and individuals tackling homelessness.
2. The Homelessness Task Force was appointed in August 1999 with the following remit: "To review the causes and nature of homelessness in Scotland; to examine current practice in dealing with cases of homelessness; and to make recommendations on how homelessness in Scotland can best be prevented and, where it does occur, tackled effectively."