Pledge to rehouse homeless
Rough sleepers given hope
HOMELESS people will be given immediate access to permanent housing, the Scottish Government pledged yesterday.
The plan is among 20 recommendations by an expert group set up to tackle the scandal of rough sleeping.
The “rapid rehousing” scheme aims to get people with “complex needs” settled quickly, without resorting to temporary accommodation.
Also known as Housing First, the model has been a runaway success in Finland, where the problem has almost been wiped out.
The Government also agreed in principle to find public funds for asylum seekers – currently not possible under the UK Asylum Act, passed in 1999. Public funds include social security, council housing and homelessness assistance.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart, adopting all recommendations in principle, said: “I was extremely impressed by the fast and effective work of organisations supporting those sleeping rough during last week’s unprecedented and extreme winter weather and want to thank everyone involved for the work and commitment shown.
“It is important we build on this good work and these latest recommendations provide a blueprint to do that and reach our national priority to eradicate rough sleeping for good.”
The expert group want better training for support staff so they can respond quickly.
The Government should take a fresh look at groups most likely to be made homeless, then create clear strategies to keep them housed.
A national approach to street beggars should be adopted, knowing that they aren’t always homeless but are at risk.
And there must be a continual supply of affordable and social housing to meet needs.
Jon Sparkes, who leads the group, said: “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.”
More than 34,800 applications for homelessness assistance were made to councils in the past year, official figures showed.
The Housing First model was backed by Holyrood’s local government committee last month. MSPs said the Government should adopt the same plan.