Homes first plea to help curb rough sleeping

A “HOUSING First” scheme across Scotland should be introduced to help tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, a Holyrood committee has said.

The housing model prioritises a person’s unconditional right to a permanent home without the need to engage with housing support services or several levels of temporary accommodation first.

The scheme, piloted in some parts of Scotland, has been used effectively in Finland – the only country in Europe where homelessness has declined.

Its extension across the country is one of a series of recommendations in a report by the Local Government and Communities Committee. It follows the committee’s year-long inquiry into the causes of and long-term solutions to homelessness in Scotland.

The latest figures show councils received more than 34,800 applications for homelessness assistance in the year to September 2017.

Evidence suggested Housing First was the most suitable method for supporting homeless people with complex needs, such as drug and alcohol addictions, mental health issues or offending behaviour.

Turning Point Scotland said the initiative meant individuals do not have to show commitment to maintaining a tenancy or give up any of their addictions before they are given a permanent tenancy accompanied by the right support.

Convener Bob Dorris said: “After hearing from homeless people and those who have experienced sleeping on the streets or sofa-surfing, as well as service providers on the frontline, it was clear further action is needed.”