​Investment shastens access to permanent accommodation

A £21m investment will help people in temporary accommodation, and those at risk of homelessness, move into permanent homes.

Homelessness organisations and local authorities will use the funding as part of the housing first and rapid rehousing approach. The model provides permanent housing as a first, rather than last, response for people with complex needs.

The move coincides with the latest round of recommendations from the homelessness and rough sleeping action group, which have been accepted in principle by the Scottish Government.

Announcing the Scottish Government funding, housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “Our significant £21 million investment will include up to £4 million to support local authorities in the five cities participating in the joint Social Bite and Corra Housing First initiative.

“This funding will ensure we support people at times of crisis, while also taking an important step towards transforming the system and offering rapid routes back to settled housing.

“Our focus on prevention has contributed toward a 39% fall in homelessness applications in the last 10 years. We want to build on these strengths and accelerate progress.”

Jon Sparkes, chair of the homelessness and rough sleeping action group and chief executive of Crisis, said: “Right now far too many people are either at risk of becoming homeless, or are already stuck in temporary accommodation or sleeping on the streets. When we know what it takes to end homelessness, this just isn’t right.

“We welcome the government’s pledge of vital funds to house people more quickly, and to provide the crucial support they need to leave homelessness behind for good.

“Now is the time for action, and we look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government to make these plans a reality so that ultimately, homelessness in Scotland can be ended once and for all.”