Tag: homelessness

Evictions response shows Scottish Government “asleep at the wheel”, says Choudhury

Last week I asked the Scottish Government about the rates of evictions after the COVID-19 pandemic, and if they would comment on evidence heard at the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee that sheriff officers are “making up for lost time” since the pandemic (writes FOYSUL CHOUDHURY MSP).

I was astonished by the answer. Green MSP Patrick Harvie, in his capacity as Minister for Tenants’ Rights, said that I was “overstating the case”.

But the words he dismissed were not my own. I was simply presenting the Minister with evidence heard at the committee, from a worker on the front line of dealing with Scotland’s increasing problems with debt and arrears.

Not only was Harvie’s response dismissive and insulting to those working to aid people with problem debt, it demonstrates a Scottish Government that is asleep at the wheel when it comes to the growing housing and homelessness crisis.

The scale of that crisis was reported recently: a 2,052 per cent spike in court proceedings initiated by local authorities since the eviction ban ended; 366 households facing eviction in just the first quarter of this year; a 16.5 per cent rise in homelessness applications from the last quarter.

Any analysis of this grave situation must also consider other evidence heard by the committee, that the cost to local authorities of evicting a social tenant and putting them into the homelessness system is exorbitant, at an estimated minimum of £24,000 for a relatively simple case without complex challenges.

As we all discovered afresh during the pandemic, prevention is better than cure. The Scottish Government had been repeatedly warned of the potential for spiralling evictions after the scrapping of the evictions ban.

Scottish Labour have been clear that Scotland badly needs targeted support for tenants in social housing to avoid this coming storm. Instead, we get denial of the scale of the problem as reported by those on its front lines. Scotland deserves better than a government that dismisses the concerns of its most vulnerable citizens.

I am unfortunately sure that this will not be the last the Social Justice and Social Security Committee hears on this matter in this Parliament.

I will continue to monitor the situation as it potentially affects many vulnerable people in the Lothian region I represent, and continue campaigning for better targeted support for vulnerable tenants who have been hit by the dual shocks of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

We must have a compassionate approach. Allowing cases like these to be pushed into the homelessness system has no moral or financial case, and the Scottish Government should explore every avenue to avoid it.

Letters: Ending veterans’ homelessness for good

Dear Editor

We’ve seen a dramatic rise in the number of homeless veterans seeking help since the pandemic. With the rising cost of living crisis, we know the situation is going to get worse. 

Too often former members of the Armed Forces miss out on housing support because they aren’t identified as a veteran. As leading voices in the veterans housing sector, we’ve joined the No Homeless Veterans [www.nohomelessveterans.org.uk] campaign to urge local authorities to do more.

It’s vital that when someone needs help with housing, they are asked whether they’ve served in the Forces. If they have, this should be recorded. Once identified, they can be directed towards support that’s available.

Many, particularly in Scotland, already do, but all local authorities across the UK should be identifying veterans quickly. There is no need for them to be sofa surfing, bouncing from hostel to hostel, or sleeping on the streets. Our heroes deserve better and it’s inexcusable to leave them out in the cold.

Yours sincerely

Richard Gammage, CEO, Stoll

Andrew Lord MBE, CEO, Alabaré

Bernard Stonestreet, Executive Secretary/Founder, East Sussex Veterans Hub

Tim Stockings, CEO, Haig Housing

Sheena MacKay, Case Manager, Help for Heroes

Steve Bentham-Bates, CEO, Help 4 Homeless Veterans

Moira Bayne, CEO, Housing Options Scotland

Colonel (Ret’d) Tony Gauvain, Chair/CEO, PTSD Resolution

Emrys Rogers, Head of Housing & Assurance, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Mark Shields, Head of Community Support, Royal Air Forces Association

Brigadier (Ret’d) Martin Nadin OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Veterans Residences

Social housing must be top priority for new administration as talks continue

Shelter Scotland has said Councillors must stick to their promises and make social house building the top priority for the next administration in Edinburgh as talks to decide who will head up the council continue. 

Ahead of the election the housing charity’s petition demanding action on social homes attracted more than 3,300 signatures in Edinburgh, and in excess of 12,000 nationally. 

Before voters went to the polls, councillors from the SNP and Labour, the two largest parties on the City of Edinburgh Council signed the Shelter Scotland social housing pledge to make social housing delivery a top priority for their term in office. 

Shelter Scotland’s analysis of the council’s figures shows the city needs at least 7,000 social homes over the next five years.

 Director of Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson, said: “Social housing ends homelessness. It protects against worsening child poverty and helps our communities thrive. It is easily one of the best things the new council can do to improve our city. Despite that, none of Edinburgh’s previous administrations have delivered the homes the council’s own figures say the city needs. 

“Before this election, the parties now negotiating a new power sharing agreement promised the 3,360 citizens in Edinburgh who signed the social housing petition that they would make building at least 7,000 social homes a top priority. Now they need to deliver.” 

Alison added: “Communities across Edinburgh are suffering as a direct result of the housing emergency. They will not easily forgive or forget if councillors do not deliver what they’ve promised.

This is one thing the parties can agree on and something the people of Edinburgh will expect to see on the first pages of their new plan for the city.” 

Sporting stars Sir Chris Hoy and Al Kellock come together to support Social Bite’s Break the Cycle campaign

●       Social Bite’s Break the Cycle campaign returns bigger and better with plans to scale up vital projects providing jobs, homes and food for homeless people

●       Hoy and Kellock are backing the campaign and will cycle the 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh with fellow fundraising cyclists

●       The Scottish sporting stars are backing the “Break the Cycle” campaign to raise £1m, and will cycle 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh with fellow riders to raise money for the cause

●        This year’s event builds on the success of 2021, with new 20-mile and 3-mile routes available to ensure everyone can get involved no matter your cycling experience

Sir Chris Hoy and Al Kellock will be putting their helmets on and donning lycra as Social Bite once again launches its Break the Cycle campaign to raise £1m to fund vital projects to end homelessness.

Following a successful first event last year, it’s back again for 2022 and invites participants to make the 60-mile cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh with the goal of raising significant funds to support its movement to end homelessness.

This year also sees the introduction of new 20-mile and 3-mile cycle routes, to ensure there’s opportunities for all ages and abilities to get involved – from experienced cyclists, through to families looking to have a great day out while doing their bit for the charitable cause.

The Break the Cycle event will take place on Sunday 4th September, with Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy, and Glasgow Warriors Managing Director and former Scotland rugby captain, Al Kellock leading the charge and riding from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Participants can sign up to “Team Hoy” and set off on the 60-mile cycle with Sir Chris Hoy from the Velodrome, where participants will be warmed-up by a legendary fitness guru.

Rugby fans can sign up to “Team Tom Smith” captained by Al Kellock, and joined by rugby stars of yesteryear, to set off from Glasgow Warrior’s Scotstoun stadium and ride across the city to join an expected 1,000 participants in the cycling challenge to Edinburgh.

Ten per cent of all fundraising from this team will be donated to a trust that has been set up by the Scottish Rugby community in aid of Tom Smith’s family, after the former Scotland and British & Irish Lions prop tragically passed away in April 2022.

The route will finish at the home of Scottish Rugby, BT Murrayfield Stadium, where fundraisers, along with their friends and families, will enjoy performances from a range of local acts as well as refreshments from some of the country’s top food and drinks establishments. 

As well as the physical event in September, there’s the opportunity to show your support by taking on your own 60-mile challenges to raise money, as the virtual challenges can be designed to suit each individual, using any mode or method.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “Break the Cycle is back this year, bigger and better and thrilled to have Sir Chris and Al on board to once again help us raise much-needed funds to break the cycle of homelessness.

“The funds raised at Break the Cycle will help us support people across the country who have experienced homelessness, whether that’s through supporting people to find a safe place to call home, empowering people to get a job, or by providing free, fresh food to people who are homeless or in food poverty.”

“With our new routes this year, the support of our famous faces getting involved, and what promises to be a real festival feel at the finish line at BT Murrayfield, we’re in for a really exciting event. Sign up to join this year’s Break the Cycle to raise vital funds to end homelessness.”

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I’ve been a proud supporter of Social Bite for a number of years now, from the very first sleep-out event in 2016 through to the first Break the Cycle event last year.

“The work they do is inspiring and has such a positive impact on so many people’s lives so it’s always great to help out in whatever way I can.”

“I had great fun in 2021 cycling with all the other fundraisers and can’t wait to return again this September for what promises to be an even bigger and better event for a great cause.”

Al Kellock said: “I’m thrilled that myself and Glasgow Warriors are supporting Social Bite with its Break the Cycle campaign which does so much to help support people who need it most.

“I would encourage Scottish Rugby fans to join me in setting off from Scotstoun Stadium all the way to BT Murrayfield and I’m really looking forward toraising as much money as possible for the cause as well as supporting the creation of a trust for Tom Smith’s family after his tragic passing.”

To find out more, sign-up, or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.uk

Barratt Developments Scotland donates £10k to SocialBite

Five Scottish charities to receive a share of £50k fund to help people facing homelessness, financial crisis or social exclusion

Local housebuilder Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has donated £10,000 to help homeless people in Edinburgh.

Social Bite is one of five charities to benefit from a share of Barratt’s £50k fund to help people facing homelessness, financial crisis or social exclusion. 

The UK charity is an innovative social enterprise, which is committed to ending homelessness through food, employment and housing. In Edinburgh it has coffee shops on Rose Street and Shandwick Place, along with the Social Bite Village – a supported community providing accommodation and assistance for up to 20 people affected by homelessness.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, co-founder of Social Bite, says Barratt’s donation will go towards supporting those who are affected by homelessness, experiencing high financial risk, or in crisis and in need of support.

Josh Littlejohn said: “On behalf of Social Bite and the people we support, I’d like to thank Barratt Developments Scotland. We know that ending homelessness requires everyone to play their part, and we are incredibly grateful for this generous donation.

“This support will enable us to continue to develop innovative programmes of food provision, supported employment and housing; to bring about systemic change, and empower people who have been homeless to transform their own lives.”

Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) in Perth, The Highland Homeless Trust in Inverness, Aberdeen Cyrenians in Aberdeen and Community Veterans Support in Glasgow are among the other charities to benefit from a share of Barratt Development’s bumper £50,000 fund.

Alison Condie, managing director of Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “As a homebuilder, we work in communities across the country to increase the availability of quality homes.

“Addressing homelessness is a cause that’s very close to our hearts but, sadly, the pandemic has exacerbated many of the social and financial issues and put many more people at risk.

“We are pleased to be able to provide some financial support to these organisations at a time when they need it most, and hope that our donations will help those who are vulnerable or facing hardship across the country.”

For more information on Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/

Councils are failing to deliver social homes for 7,500 homeless children, says Shelter Scotland

Council leaders are failing children across the country when it comes to social housing according to Shelter Scotland. 

Ahead of the local authority elections in May, the housing charity has said council leaders need to urgently step up in order to tackle the deepening housing emergency. 

In Glasgow alone there are 2,480 children stuck in temporary accommodation, while 1,515 children in the capital face the same situation. In Aberdeen, a household with children spend 103 days in temporary accommodation on average, while in Dundee that figure rises to 285 days.

Shelter Scotland’s analysis of council’s housing plans* shows that a minimum of 7,000 social homes are needed over the next five years in Edinburgh, 3,675 in Glasgow, 853 in Aberdeen and 655 in Dundee. 

Each of the local authorities in those cities failed to deliver on their previous affordable housing targets. 

Director of Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson, said: “Right now, thousands of households, including thousands of children, are trapped in temporary accommodation. Often, they’re living in cramped conditions which are entirely unsuitable. Many of them have been living in so-called temporary accommodation for months or, in some cases, years. 

“Living in temporary accommodation can have devastating effects. It disrupts children’s learning, it places huge strain on family life, it can ruin people’s health. In the face of a deepening cost-of-living crisis this problem is only going to get worse unless action is taken now. 

“As more people are exposed to the risk of homelessness, only social housing can stem the tide. The Scottish Government has promised the cash for new social homes, we need to keep fighting to make sure they’re actually built.

“With the local elections just around the corner our cities’ leaders can’t shirk their responsibilities. We need them to step up and finally contribute to building a future where everyone in Scotland, without exception, has their right to housing upheld. 

“The scale of the challenge is clear, but council leaders must rise to meet it. The thousands of children without the security and safety a permanent home provides can’t wait a second longer.”

Shelter Scotland has launched a new campaign asking people to demand that council leaders pledge to build social housing.

For more information and to sign the petition, visit:

https://act.scotland.shelter.org.uk/social-housing-edinburgh

Scottish Government hails more than 1,000 Housing First tenancies

Settled homes for people with complex needs

Councils have now provided more than 1,000 Housing First tenancies across Scotland, helping tackle homelessness by offering settled homes to those with multiple and complex needs.

Housing First is aimed at people with high support needs – such as alcohol or drug dependency or significant mental health problems – who are experiencing homelessness. It provides them with settled housing and intensive, individually tailored support.

The Scottish Government has invested £5.5 million since 2019 in the Housing First pathfinder programme, which has worked to set up Housing First schemes in areas with the most people sleeping rough or at risk of doing so. This is part of a £52.5 million investment in rapid rehousing, aiming to ensure people spend the shortest amount of time possible in temporary accommodation, giving them a settled place to live as soon as appropriate.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We know that providing long-term housing to people experiencing homelessness is crucial to helping them rebuild their lives, which is why we’re investing £52.5 million in projects that move people on from temporary accommodation as soon as possible.

“Housing First is a key part of that, aimed at people with multiple and complex needs – be that addiction, mental ill health or repeated interactions with the justice system.

“The best way to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation is to stop homelessness from happening in the first place, which is why we are consulting on plans to place legal duties on public bodies to prevent people losing their homes. This stems from the principle that preventing homelessness should be a shared public responsibility.”

Extra £16 million committed to tackle homelessness in Scotland

Scotland’s Councils are being given an extra £16 million to help tackle homelessness by moving people swiftly from temporary accommodation into settled homes.

The funding, to be awarded over the next two financial years, takes the total investment in rapid rehousing to £53.5 million. Rapid rehousing aims to ensure people spend the shortest amount of time possible in temporary accommodation, giving them a settled place to live as soon as appropriate.

The package includes an investment of £6.5 million in the Housing First pathfinder to support people with multiple and complex needs.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Tackling homelessness is about much more than just providing a bed for the night. Temporary accommodation is an important safety net, but most people need a settled place to stay where they can rebuild their lives.

“Rapid rehousing is based around the idea that most people need a settled home, and this new funding will help councils progress their Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans to move people as quickly as possible into appropriate, settled accommodation.

“The best way to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation is to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place, and today’s announcement follows the recent publication of our consultation on plans for new legal duties on public bodies, highlighting the shared public responsibility to prevent homelessness in Scotland.”

Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans cover an initial period of five years from 2019. The new funding comprises £8 million in 2022/23 and £8 million in 2023/24.

Consultation on prevention of homelessness duties: Closing date 31 March 2022.

Not Socks Again?! Donate your unwanted Christmas socks to people who need them most

Aldi Scotland has launched its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign for the second year running, following its widespread success in 2021, which saw more than 2000 pairs of socks donated to good causes.

The initiative encourages customers to donate any unwanted or extra unused socks they may have received as Christmas gifts to charities supporting people in need across Scotland.

Every year, millions of people receive socks for Christmas that they often don’t want or need, charities across Scotland do, and Aldi’s ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign aims to put these gifts to better use by donating new and unused socks to those who need them most.  

Aldi’s Sock Amnesty’ boxes will be in stores across Scotland from the 3rd of January until the end of the month, where people can drop off their unused socks to help keep vulnerable people warm this winter.

Aldi has linked up with three Scottish charities for this year’s initiative: Aberlour Children’s Charity, Simon Community Scotland, and Bethany Christian Trust.

The Bethany Christian Trust are working toward the goal of ending homelessness in Scotland. The team at the Bethany Christian Trust offer a broad range of services, from assistance with housing, education and employment, to crisis intervention wellbeing support.

Nathanael Smith, Community Fundraiser, Bethany Christian Trust, said: “It’s surprising how much a good pair of socks can make a difference in someone’s life.

“It’s a simple gift that can mean warmth, comfort and dignity to those in need. Thanks to Aldi for making such an amazing project possible.”

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “Following an immensely challenging year, the team at Aldi Scotland were eager to support charities which are working tirelessly to help those in need.

“In winter, charities are always looking for essential items to be donated, and so we thought, why not encourage our customers to donate any unwanted gifts of socks to people who truly need them.

Aldi will also contribute a £250 donation to each charity in the hope of helping the most vulnerable in our communities.

Aldi’s Sock Amnesty boxes will be in store from 3rd January and customers are invited to drop off any unwanted, new and unused, socks which will be donated to the charity in their local area.”  

This initiative builds on Aldi’s commitment to supporting communities across Scotland. Since 2016, Aldi’s Scottish Sports Fund has supported over 500 local clubs with more than £290,000 worth of donations.

In addition, Aldi has helped to provide over 10 million meals to vulnerable people across the UK through its partnership with community engagement platform, Neighbourly. Aldi also helped 12 local foodbanks this year after it relaunched its popular Supermarket Sweep programme this year.

To find your nearest Aldi store please visit their website here and donate your unwanted socks this Christmas.

Preventing Homelessness: Scottish Government opens consultation

Views sought on proposed legal duties for public bodies

Health and social care services, children’s services, police and other public bodies will have a legal duty to ‘ask and act’ to prevent homelessness under Scottish Government proposals.

The measures would be part of new laws aimed at preventing homelessness, based on recommendations from an expert group convened by the charity Crisis at the request of the Scottish Government. They would represent the biggest change to Scotland’s homelessness legislation in almost a decade.

Public bodies would have a legal duty to identify anyone at risk of homelessness and either take action themselves or refer on to more appropriate help.

A consultation on the plans, run jointly with COSLA, will give people with experience of homelessness, alongside those from the housing sector, public bodies and others, the chance to share their views and help shape Scotland’s approach to preventing homelessness.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We know that the best way to end homelessness is to prevent it from happening in the first place. These new proposals build on the strong housing rights that already exist in Scotland for people who become homeless.

“Early action should be a shared public responsibility, giving people facing homelessness more choice and control over where they live.

“Homelessness is often a traumatic and unsettling experience that can have a profound impact on the lives of those involved, including children.

“By intervening at an earlier stage, and encouraging services to work together to respond to people’s needs, we can ensure fewer people and families are faced with having to re-build lives affected by homelessness.

“This will further add to our existing ambitious programme of work and investment to ensure everyone has a safe, warm place to call home.”

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “We strongly support plans for new duties for public bodies to prevent homelessness in Scotland. 

“Scotland has made huge progress in its journey towards ending homelessness in recent years, but while the country has powerful protections in place for people experiencing homelessness, far too many people are being forced to reach crisis point before they get the help they need. 

“Everyone has a role to play in preventing homelessness, and by introducing new duties requiring public services to ask about someone’s housing situation, and offer them the help they need, we can build a truly world leading system of homelessness prevention.” 

Councillor Kelly Parry, COSLA Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing said: “People have a right to a place they can call home. Rough sleeping and sofa surfing is something we have always worked to eliminate.

“We welcome the proposal that the duty to end homelessness will be shared with other public bodies and look forward to being closely engaged in the consultation with other partners”.

Prevention of Homelessness Duties consultation – closes 31 March 2022