Executive consults on homelessness target

Ministerial statement due on abolition of "priority need" test by 2012

News, 19 August 2005

Scottish Ministers have asked for views on the most effective way to report on progress under the new homelessness legislation.

The Homelessness Etc (Scotland) Act 2003 requires a ministerial statement this year on the abolition of "priority need" by 2012. The Act abolishes this test as a means of determining which homeless applicants are entitled to permanent accommodation, so that all people who are unintentionally homeless will be entitled to a permanent home by 2012.

The consultation asks for views in order for the ministerial statement to be as comprehensive as possible in explaining what progress has been made; setting out what future action is needed by local authorities, partners and the Executive to meet the 2012 target; and giving effective guidance for planning delivery.

Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:

"I have often said, and it is worth repeating, that tackling homelessness is about more than providing a roof over someone's head. But we are committed to delivering, by 2012, a permanent home for those unintentionally found homeless. In meeting this aim we need to consider how in practical terms we can abolish the current system and provide suitable accommodation and support for all those presenting as homeless.

"We are working in partnership with local authorities, public bodies, and local and national voluntary organisations to deliver on what has been described as some of the most progressive homelessness legislation in Europe and the ministerial statement will be another important step in this process."

Those with a responsibility for planning, delivering, inputting into and working with local homelessness strategies are expected to respond to the consultation. The consultation is closely linked to the Executive's wider strategy for the supply of housing and is a key component of ongoing work with local authorities to assess the likely demand for and supply of housing in light of the 2012 target.

The deadline for consultation responses is 14 October 2005.