Words of advice

Scotland’s homelessness legislation is recognised as some of the most progressive in the world. Who can argue with the aspiration that everyone who is homeless through no fault of their own should have the basic human right to a home? But with housing across all tenures in critically short supply, the challenge now is delivering on that promise.

With high homelessness applications in recent years and more people staying longer in temporary accommodation, there is a growing consensus that while the legislation was right, the way people were being processed through the system was wrong. That is why housing options and prevention advice has been introduced by local authorities across Scotland, to provide a better customer service and potentially deliver better housing outcomes.

A housing advice service that aims to make better use of housing, meet people’s needs more effectively and work better with a range of local partners has a lot of potential. But this can only work if the statutory framework for homeless people is the foundation stone. It is therefore critical that people’s right to housing is protected and those who need emergency homeless housing and support receive the best possible service. We must ensure people are empowered to make choices that are right for them.

The triple threat of ongoing recession, welfare and benefit changes and lack of supply means getting people good quality, impartial information on their widest range of options is more important than ever.

Shelter Scotland has set out its thoughts on the way forward in a new report - What are my options? Delivering a person-centred housing and homelessness advice service in Scotland - published last week. Balancing choices and rights remains an ongoing challenge for all involved.

Graeme Brown is director of Shelter Scotland