Prevention of homelessness duties: consultation analysis

7. Conclusions

Many individuals and stakeholders with detailed knowledge took part in the consultation, sharing their views on how to develop and implement duties on local authorities and public bodies to prevent homelessness. Reflecting their experience and perspectives, this report provides a high-level summary of the consultation responses. For more detail, readers are encouraged to look to individual responses where permission was given for publication^[20].

There is widespread support for both the package of reforms and the individual proposals outlined in the consultation. Respondents highlighted the potential to increase early intervention and prevention, resulting in positive outcomes for those at risk of homelessness. Others supported the principle of shared responsibility and noted positive impacts including strengthening existing practice and enabling a joined-up and consistent approach to prevention across local authorities and public bodies. The reforms were described as transformational, comprehensive and well balanced, with some noting the individual proposals link well and are complementary to one another.

Respondents highlighted concerns about three specific proposals which they felt should be examined more closely when developing the legislation. The opportunity to offer more choice and control around housing options was welcomed, but respondents cautioned that this must be balanced with a realistic understanding of limited housing stock. Several stakeholders stated that the proposals relating to social work responsibility for 16 and 17 year olds at risk of homelessness could diminish their existing housing rights. A clear difference of opinion was evident regarding the criteria for stable and suitable housing. Some felt strongly that the proposals undermine existing rights to permanent housing but others saw this as a sensible way to increase housing options.

A recurring theme was that new duties will only be successful if sufficient funding and staff capacity is in place to manage additional demand, and if there is significant investment in more housing stock. Respondents highlighted the need to provide training to improve public sector understanding of the causes of homelessness, and how to identify whether someone is at risk and how to 'ask and act'. There were repeated calls for training in, and use of, trauma-informed approaches across prevention activity.

While views on whether guidance should supplement or be included in legislation were mixed, there were calls for clear referral pathways frameworks for partnership working, clearly defined responsibilities for bodies subject to duties, and detail about how new legislation would work alongside existing duties. Many recognised the need for increased recording and monitoring of prevention activity to ensure compliance with new duties.

The views expressed in the consultation will help to provide a useful evidence base for the Scottish Government to draw on when shaping the final duties to be included in a forthcoming Housing Bill.