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Scottish Government backs Housing First approach

The Scottish Government has backed the recommendations of its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group, including adopting a Housing First approach.

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Picture: Getty
Picture: Getty
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The group, set up by the Scottish Government with the intention of eradicating rough sleeping, published its recommendations today.

These include calling on the Scottish Government to announce a default to Housing First as part of a “rapid rehousing model”, which should be included in a new code of guidance on homelessness.

Inside Housing has been campaigning for governments and councils to commission Housing First schemes. Housing First provides permanent housing alongside wrap-around support to rough sleepers with complex issues.

Other recommendations focus on improving the advice offered to those facing homelessness and better joint working between public sector organisations.


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In December the government provided £328,000 to support night shelters and extra staff to help more people into accommodation over winter. The government will now provide a further £150,000 to continue some of these services until the summer.

The action group is chaired by Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, and includes housing associations, homelessness charities, and health and social care organisations.

The group said getting homeless people into housing should be the “default”, with the “primary objective to move someone rapidly into settled accommodation rather than a temporary solution, in line with a planned pathway that makes sense for the individual”.

It said that where a person has more complex needs, the solution should be Housing First, and for others it should be “rapid rehousing into settled accommodation”.

The group will next make recommendations focused on temporary accommodation and on ending homelessness.

Scotland’s housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “The group’s recommendations focus on improving advice and support for those sleeping rough, and ensuring that housing, funding and services are directed at those who need them most.

“They will play a vital role in meeting our commitment to end homelessness and transform temporary accommodation, backed by our £50m fund – which is why we have accepted them all in principle, and will now work closely with partners to implement.”

Mr Sparkes said: “Nobody in Scotland should have to endure the danger and indignity of sleeping rough, and these recommendations show what is needed to prevent people from being forced to live on the streets.

These include providing immediate access to permanent housing for people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness, such as people leaving a state institution, such as care or prison, and giving frontline staff the power to make informed decisions based on the needs of each individual.

“We can end rough sleeping in Scotland. Other countries and cities around the world have done it, so we know it’s possible. With the right political will and momentum, we can make this a reality in Scotland too.”

Cathy at 50 campaign

Cathy at 50 campaign

Our Cathy at 50 campaign calls on councils to explore Housing First as a default option for long-term rough sleepers and commission Housing First schemes, housing associations to identify additional stock for Housing First schemes and government to support five Housing First projects, collect evidence and distribute best practice.

Click here to read more about Cathy at 50

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