Campaigning and policy work
Shelter works across a range of homelessness and housing issues, both campaigning for change and providing hands on services across Scotland.
Homelessness
Homelessness is more than just rough sleeping. At Shelter we don't help people by handing out blankets and soup. We campaign to prevent and alleviate homelessness. We work on many issues including prevention, evictions and temporary accommodation (bed and breakfast accommodation and hostels).
We are happy to comment on the impact of homelessness, reasons for homelessness, statistics, temporary accommodation, hidden homelessness (for example, people being forced to sleep on their friends' sofas) and rough sleeping.
Housing
Bad housing robs us of security, health and a fair chance in life. We campaign to improve the provision and standards of housing, both private and public, in Scotland.
We are happy to comment on issues surrounding poor housing conditions and housing management issues for councils and housing associations (for example, evictions policies), and fuel poverty.
Priority need
Scotland has the most progressive homelessness legislation in Europe. Scottish politicians have promised that everyone should have a home by 2012 by ending the distinction of 'priority need'. But we need to keep the pressure on Scotland's politicians to ensure they meet their promise.
Right to Buy
This out of date policy is robbing Scotland of its affordable housing: almost 457,000 public sector homes have been lost to the private sector through Right to Buy. We need to review the policy and give local authorities more discretion to manage their stock.
Private rented sector and Housing Act implementation
The new Housing Act 2006 brought about change to private sector housing in Scotland, including setting out a 'Repairing Standard' that landlords are required to meet and the possibility of a national tenancy deposit scheme. We need to make sure those changes are brought about and publicised to the people of Scotland.
We are happy to comment on the new act, landlords, tenants rights, and the private rented sector as a whole.
Affordable housing
In 2007, Scotland will have its best chance to plough more money into affordable housing through the Comprehensive Spending Review. The 2007 spending review must commit more money to increase the supply of affordable homes for rent by 50 per cent - that translates to just under 3,000 more affordable homes a year than the Scottish Executive is currently proposing.
Rural housing
We work on the front line of rural housing. A few houses can make a difference between the local shop and the local school closing. Our project in Dumfries and Galloway shows the success that local solutions to local problems can have.
Other areas of comment
Other areas we can look to provide comment on include: housing and homelessness legislation; housing support; housing advice; housing benefit reform; anti-social behaviour and housing; land use; planning; homelessness referrals to housing associations (Section 5 referrals).
