Boost for Scots homeless

HOMELESS families and individuals in Scotland will have the legal right to a housing support assessment from their local authority from today.

Supporting people to stay in their homes is proven to be a cost-effective way of helping prevent and break the traumatic cycle of repeat homelessness. Shelter Scotland, which campaigned hard for the housing support element to be included in the 2010 Housing (Scotland) Bill, welcomed the duty and congratulated the Government for its introduction.

The legislation gives councils a duty to assess the needs of homeless people it thinks may require support and to provide the services needed.

It also builds on the landmark “2012 commitment” which gives all unintentionally homeless households the right to a home.