Reducing the use of temporary accommodation
The measures set out are in response to the Temporary Accommodation Task and Finish Group’s recommendations to Ministers on reducing the use of temporary accommodation.
This week, the Scottish Government set out plans to reduce the number of households living in temporary accommodation, focusing on a national acquisitions plan to support councils and registered social landlords to purchase properties including empty homes and private sector homes.
Other measures will include working with social landlords to increase allocations to homeless households, which SFHA remains in active discussion with Scottish Government on and has created a member working group on this issue.
Bespoke plans to address specific issues will also be developed with the local authorities with the greatest temporary accommodation pressures.
The measures set out are in response to the Temporary Accommodation Task and Finish Group’s recommendations to Ministers on reducing the use of temporary accommodation. The Scottish Government’s full report can be found here.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Housing is crucial to achieving our aspirations of a fairer country.
“We recognise the varying challenges that exist across Scotland and that these cannot be addressed by a single solution.
“That is why the range of actions we will be taking, including our £60 million plan, will help us effect real change.
“A great deal of consideration has been given to the best way to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation. I am thankful to members of the Temporary Accommodation Task and Finish Group and all its contributors for the role they played in shaping the final recommendations.”
SFHA chief executive Sally Thomas said: “Preventing homelessness is at the core of what housing associations and co-operatives do. Every day our members not only ensure that people have a safe, warm, and affordable home but also offer support with many other issues, from health needs to employment opportunities. They stand ready to do even more, with the right conditions.
“As the initial report made clear, the core issue is that we simply do not have enough social homes. We cannot tackle homelessness in Scotland unless concerted efforts are made to build the affordable homes we desperately require – and right now we’re not on track to deliver those homes. We are looking to Scottish Government to provide the leadership and planning necessary to meet urgent and growing housing need.”