Connect with us

World

SNP plan could make homelessness in Scotland ‘even worse’, warn campaigners

Published

on

SNP plan could make homelessness in Scotland ‘even worse’, warn campaigners

SNP plans to tackle homelessness risk making “an already dire situation worse”, a leading charity has warned.

The Scottish Government has published more than 300 responses to its Housing (Scotland) Bill, which will bring in a range of reforms with the aim of ensuring fewer people are left without a roof over their head.




But critics have warned that plans to make local authorities “act sooner to prevent homelessness” risk backfiring as councils are already failing to meet existing regulations.

Shelter said it could not support the plans as it would “pressure” on already struggling services.

Scotland is already in the middle of a housing emergency with a severe lack of affordable accommodation in several parts of the country.

Five local authorities – including Glasgow and Edinburgh city councils – have already declared housing emergencies. This means they cannot meet demand for affordable accommodation from those who need it.

In a consultation response, David Aitchison of Shelter questioned whether the Government’s legislation would work as intended.

“This part of the bill will place new responsibilities on local authorities and public bodies,” he said.

Continue Reading