By Councillor Elena Whitham, Cosla Community Wellbeing Spokesperson
THE Holyrood Local Government and Communities Committee’ report on homelessness published last week highlighted many issues that need to be addressed if Scotland is to successfully eradicate homelessness. As Cosla’s spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, and a housing convener in East Ayrshire Council, I know what is reported resonates locally. Elected members across Scotland confirm that councils, and increasingly other partners across the public sector, recognise stable housing is critical to families and individuals. Councils take their responsibilities around homelessness very seriously.
Having been homeless myself and having worked for more than a decade in homelessness services both in statutory and third sector agencies including a rough sleepers initiative, I have a clear understanding of the complex issues surrounding accessing and maintaining a home. The three most common causes of homelessness are poverty, relationship/family breakdown and individuals having multiple complex needs. Much of the evidence heard by the committee, from those who had themselves experienced homelessness, confirmed this to be the case. These complexities cannot be solved through housing alone – preventative support services are critical. However, many of these services have been reduced due to pressures on public service funding, and improvements in outcomes for these groups will require investment in preventative support services in the future.
The committee report highlights the prevention of homelessness through the Housing Options approach as being an important tool in successfully eradicating homelessness. Along with the Scottish Government, we recognise there are differing approaches to Housing Options across Scotland, reflecting different need and opportunities. A Housing Options toolkit will be available later this year to consolidate practice around this.
Housing First pilots are recommended by the committee as an area to be explored across Scotland. Results from Helsinki and the evaluation of Scottish pilots show the Housing First model can work. Local government does not dispute this. But its success for those with the most acute needs demands investment in support services and significant contributions from all public agencies, including health, criminal justice and social security. Without such contributions positive outcomes will be much harder to achieve.
Temporary accommodation featured in much of the evidence heard by the committee. It is clear a person-centred and outcomes-focused approach to temporary accommodation is needed. Bringing together an improved physical environment, enhancing the support offered, including mental health services, money advice and employability are all vital to a strong coherent local approach.
Changes to UK welfare support over many years has severely restricted the ability of councils to fund, and for that matter improve, their temporary accommodation. Without a conversation around the future of funding for all forms of temporary accommodation it is unlikely significant improvements can be made within the current funding limitations.
Local authorities as well as many others across the housing sector are and have been actively involved with the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group. It has considered acute rough sleeping, homelessness and temporary accommodation. Their recommendations and the findings from the committee’s report will feed in to the ongoing work of the joint Scottish & Local Government Homelessness Prevention and Strategy Group.
I wholeheartedly agree with the committee assertion that everyone in Scotland should have a home and be able to keep a home – local government recognises the critical role it must play in achieving this.
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