Housing options (PREVENT1) statistics in Scotland: 2021 to 2022

A note on interpreting the figures

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

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

A Quick Guide to Housing Options

Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure advice and information is available free of charge about:

• homelessness and the prevention of homelessness, and
• any services which may assist a homeless person or assist in the prevention of homelessness

When households seek assistance for housing-related issues from their local authority, they may be presented with advice on a range of housing options, including the opportunity to make a homelessness application. This is known as Housing Options and began to be implemented from around 2009.

The aim of this approach is to make households aware of their options for accommodation, and ensure they are able to make a more informed choice.

However, it is important to note that Housing Options is not a statutory function, but local authorities can use it in the delivery of their statutory duties.

Impact of coronavirus

There was a decrease in Housing Options approaches and activity in 2020/21 because of COVID-19. This was likely a combination of limitations on local authorities being able to carry out services and decreased demand due to temporary measures put in place.

Temporary Coronavirus legislation was implemented to protect renters over the COVID-19 period by extending notice periods for eviction proceedings (lifted on 30 September 2021). In addition, mortgage payment deferrals were introduced across the UK in March 2020 for customers experiencing issues paying their mortgage during COVID-19.

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 since the onset of the pandemic.

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

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All tables and charts from this publication are available online at the supporting documents page.