Housing options (PREVENT1) statistics in Scotland: 2023-24

A note on interpreting the figures

Local authority variation

As local authority needs differ, it is appropriate to tailor service provision accordingly. Therefore, the use and implementation of Housing Options varies greatly between local authorities.

For that reason, it is not appropriate to make direct comparions between local authority Housing Options figures. Instead, local authority figures should be only used to understand the delivery of Housing Options at an individual local authority level.

Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19)

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions affected Housing Options approaches and activity in 2020-21. Caution should therefore be applied when making comparisons with 2020-21 figures, however, these comparisons are in themselves useful in observing any changes in trends over the pandemic period.

Where findings are believed to have been impacted by COVID-19, or associated temporary protective measures, these have been outlined within the relevant sections.

Data ‘housekeeping’

A small number of local authorities have noted work they have undertaken in the last year or two to close old cases and improve record-keeping. This has resulted in larger than expected fluctuations in particular figures between years, particularly for open cases and average time to complete cases.