Scottish local authorities must step-up to the 2012 target of removing the priority/non-priority need for accommodation distinction, and cut by 50 per cent the number of homeless households deemed non-priority need, by 2009.
The 2009 target aims to ease the way forward as to the sector's 2012 target of providing permanent accommodation for all unintentionally homeless households. Households must currently satisfy four tests to be owed the full duty: is the household homeless; is there a priority need for accommodation; is the household intentionally homeless; does the household have a local connection?
The 2003 Homelessness Act requires the removal of the priority/non-priority need distinction by 2012; the 2009 target formed part of Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm's statement to the Scottish Parliament on how the sector will achieve this aim. The preliminary target, therefore, is an administrative, rather than a legislative, commitment to achieving steady progress toward the implementation of the 2012 target. It further serves to identify local-level problems along the way.
Mr Chisholm also announced a review of the allocations policy, including s.5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations welcomed the announcement, which eased member associations' concerns over a possible rush of homelessness allocations from councils.
Critics said housing providers need more direction on a revised test of priority need to meet the new target, and spoke about housing supply issues.
Homeless Households Down 23%
In the third quarter of 2005 the total number of homelessness acceptances was 24,800, compared to 32,150 for the same period in 2004. This is a fall of 7,350 and a reduction of 23%. It is also the lowest number of new cases of homelessness at this time of year since 1985.
The Statistical Release to accompany the publication of these figures can be found at www.odpm.gov.uk.
Success in Preventing Homelessness
Survey of English Local Authorities about Homelessness: Policy Briefing 13 was published, revealing the extent to which homelessness prevention has spread across local authorities in the last couple of years. For example:
The survey was conducted to give the Government better evidence of the take up of homelessness prevention approaches, so as to inform decisions on funding and further work to spread good practice.
Funding Update
Housing Minister Yvettte Cooper announced a further £88 million funding for local authorities, to help sustain reductions in homelessness and prevent further cases.
The funding will be allocated to local authorities over two years (2006/07 and 2007/08), to deliver front line services and take forward other initiatives to reduce homelessness. This includes drug rehabilitation treatment, mediation to resolve family and relationship problems, and support for women experiencing domestic violence.
Contingency Plans for Cold Spells
A letter from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was sent to all local authorities, reminding them of the need to have contingency plans to provide emergency places to accommodate rough sleepers in extreme adverse weather conditions. The emergency plans should be triggered if weather forecasts predict three consecutive nights with temperatures at zero centigrade or lower. The letter prompted some criticism of the Government for expecting local authorities to provide more than they could realistically deliver.
Double-decker Homes
The charity Centrepoint was offered the loan of a red double-decker bus to provide emergency short-stay accommodation for homeless people over the Christmas period. The offer came from Double Decker Living, which plans to have 50 buses converted into living accommodation. Each bus has five bed-spaces on the upper deck, with the lower area providing a communal area, space for meal preparation, and a shower.
New Hotline Pilot to Help Rough Sleepers
Thames Reach Bondway launched a new hotline for use by housing staff when they discover a person sleeping rough. The service is intended as a first point of contact for housing and emergency services staff, to alert the Charity of a new rough sleeper. This will enable Thames Reach Bondway to initiate support services, including help with finding hostel accommodation. If the new scheme is successful, there are plans to extend it for use by the general public to report sightings of rough sleepers.
Of course, such measures will only be successful if there are decent affordable homes available, and there is a difference between helping and hounding.
