Policy library
In this library you will find our latest policy reports, briefings, consultation responses, evidence for Scottish Parliament committees etc. This policy work underpins all of our advocacy and influencing activity to bring about change.
Evidence Paper: Delivering the Housing Rights We Need
A paper providing additional detail and evidence on Shelter Scotland’s Delivery Plan for 2026, on delivering the housing rights we need.
Published: 1 October 2025
Delivering An End to Scotland's Housing Emergency
Shelter Scotland's Delivery Plan for the 2026 Holyrood Election
Published: 1 October 2025
Evidence Paper: Delivering the Social Homes We Need
A paper providing additional detail and evidence on Shelter Scotland’s Delivery Plan for 2026, on delivering the social homes we need.
Published: 1 October 2025
Shelter Scotland written submission: Finance and Public Administration Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2026/27
A written submission to the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s call for views as part of their 2026/27 Pre-Budget Scrutiny process.
Published: 23 September 2025
Affordable Housing Need in Scotland Post-2026
A research paper, commissioned by Shelter Scotland, CIH Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, examining the number of social and affordable homes required in the 2026-2031 Scottish Parliamentary term in order to reduce affordable housing need in Scotland.
Published: 22 September 2025
Shelter Scotland briefing: Ministerial Statement on Tackling the Housing Emergency, 2 September 2025
A Shelter Scotland briefing paper ahead of a Ministerial Statement and the publication of Scotland’s Housing Emergency Action Plan.
Published: 10 September 2025
Shelter Scotland briefing: Scottish Conservative debate on asylum accommodation, 10 September 2025
A Shelter Scotland briefing paper ahead of a Scottish Conservative-led debate on asylum accommodation in Scotland.
Published: 10 September 2025
Executive Summary: Affordable Housing Need in Scotland Post-2026
An Executive Summary of Affordable Housing Need in Scotland Post-2026, jointly commissioned by Shelter Scotland, CIH Scotland and Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, and carried out by academics at the University of Sheffield, University of Liverpool, and Sheffield Hallam University. The independent research shows how many affordable homes will be required each year in the next parliamentary session in order to reduce affordable housing need in Scotland. The full report will be published on 23 September 2025.
Published: 2 September 2025
The Social Value of Social Homes in Scotland 2025
This report is the culmination of a three year research project by HACT, commissioned by Shelter Scotland. The report shows the social value that a social home in Scotland can provide. The project was supported by 20 partner landlords, including local authorities and housing associations who collected data from tenants moving into their new social home for the project.
Published: 19 August 2025
Shelter Scotland briefing: In Their Own Words - Children's Experiences in Temporary Accommodation
A briefing paper about Shelter Scotland's groundbreaking research, In Their Own Words: Children's Experiences in Temporary Accommodation.
Published: 28 May 2025