Scotland's housing and homelessness leaders and senior academics will gather today (Tuesday) to focus minds on meeting Scotland's internationally acclaimed homelessness legislation.

The 'Delivering 2012' conference will focus on how Scotland will meet the homelessness commitment to give everyone the right to a home by 2012 [2] and discuss new ideas around ending homelessness.

Leading the debate will be Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil MSP, who is expected to reinforce the government's commitment to the 2012 target and outline priorities for the coming three years.

Other speakers will include Graeme Brown, Director, Shelter Scotland; Professor Isobel Anderson, Director, Housing Policy and Practice Unit at the University of Stirling; Jill Cronin, Policy and Strategy Manager, South Ayrshire Council; and Andrew Morrison, Director of Policy and Business Development, Orchard & Shipman plc.

This is the third annual Shelter Scotland conference to chart the progress towards the homelessness commitment. Recent figures show that overall Scotland is making good progress towards 2012 but that there is work still to be done to make sure everyone has a home. [3]

Speaking ahead of the conference, Graeme Brown, Director, Shelter Scotland, said: 'These are tough economic times but it is during such times, that our mettle is shown. Scotland's decision to end homelessness by 2012 received cross-party support when it was passed in the Scottish Parliament and that decision has shown us as world leaders in the fight against homelessness. [4]

'A home for everyone is even more of a necessity as the housing crisis deepens during these tough times. That is why we need this conference to focus minds on how we meet the challenges of giving everyone, not just the right to a home, but the keys to one as well. The 2012 homelessness commitment can and will be met.'

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: 'We will not be complacent about tackling and preventing the trauma of homelessness – while congratulating authorities on progress we are tackling the challenges that remain before 2012.

'Having a home is a basic human right and we will redouble our efforts to maintain momentum towards helping councils who are facing the most challenges to achieve this important goal.

'We are already investing £1.5 billion to build thousands of affordable homes and are providing significant funding to councils to help them provide a range of support services. In addition, we have invested £50 million to kick-start the largest council house building programme in Scotland for 30 years.

'But housing investment alone will not help us achieve the 2012 target .We also need to improve access to existing stock, improve joint working and crucially, work to prevent homelessness before it occurs.

'All this, and work we will be doing with organisations like Shelter Scotland, will help support councils to provide the right help for those who need it most.'

Dr Isobel Anderson, Director, Housing Policy and Practice Unit at the University of Stirling, who is a leading voice on Scotland's homelessness commitment, said: 'Scotland is now known internationally for its modernised homelessness framework and the 2012 target, with many other countries introducing similar national targets to substantially reduce, or even eradicate homelessness in the next few years. They will be watching very closely to check if Scotland meets its 2012 goal.'

The conference is being sponsored by Orchard and Shipman plc, who are playing a leading role in assisting Scotland’s local authorities explore private sector options for temporary accommodation.

Andrew Morrison, Director of Policy and Business Development commented: 'The private rented sector is playing an increasing role in helping to meet the 2012 homelessness target. A majority of Scottish councils are now looking at Private Sector Leasing to assist with temporary accommodation needs. However, while Scotland sources 8 per cent of temporary accommodation this way, the equivalent figure for England is 68 per cent. 'There is thus considerable scope for increasing supply whilst delivering cost savings, risk sharing and good outcomes for service users. Orchard & Shipman works in tandem with local authorities to design bespoke solutions that work for customers in local housing markets.'

Notes to editors

1. Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. The charity helps 170,000 people a year across the UK fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of Scotland’s housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
2. By 2012 all unintentionally homeless people should have access to a permanent home, under Scottish legislation. Currently, only people designated to be in 'priority need' – generally families with children – have the right to permanent homes. All others have access to only temporary accommodation and support. By 2012, there will be no distinction and everyone will have the right to a home. A full briefing on the 2012 homelessness commitment and the 2009 interim target is available at http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/media/stats
3. Read the Scottish Government’s latest homelessness statistics and Shelter Scotland's response.
   
4. The target to give all people the right to a home by 2012 is widely-regarded as at the cutting edge of progressive reform of social law in Europe. Already Scotland has had visits from and been invited to speak in Ireland, France, the Basque Country and Finland, as well as Australia and North America. France, in particular, has recently agreed its own 2012 target, inspired by Scotland.
5. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.
6. Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook; Twitter; Bebo. Or pick up a Twibbon.