Code of Guidance on Homelessness

Ministerial foreword

I'm pleased to publish this new edition of the statutory Code of Guidance on homelessness.

Tackling homelessness is central to the Scottish Executive's strategy for providing routes out of poverty and disadvantage, and promoting economic inclusion. We have put in place forward-looking and ambitious policies to prevent and alleviate homelessness, including legislation which has improved homeless people's rights.

This Code has been updated to reflect the legislative changes. It provides practical guidance on how the legislation and related policies should be implemented. It supports our objective that homeless people receive readily accessible services tailored to their needs.

Around the country, skilled staff in statutory and voluntary organisations are working in partnership across disciplines to deliver holistic homelessness services. They are providing services directed at addressing the underlying problems that cause homelessness and assisting people threatened with homelessness. Many statutory and voluntary organisations are developing good practice as these services develop. This Code also summarises some of this practice so that everyone can access it and learn from it.

I am confident that this Code will be a valuable resource to complement the progressive homelessness legislation and assist with meeting its requirements.

MALCOLM CHISHOLM
Minister for Communities