In 2003, the Scottish Parliament made a commitment that anyone who is unintentionally homeless will have the right to a permanent home by 2012. With less than three years to go this Bill offers the last major legislative opportunity to ensure that we deliver that internationally acclaimed commitment.

Shelter Scotland believes that giving the groundbreaking right to keys to a home by 2012 should be accompanied by access to the necessary support to keep that home. Shelter Scotland iscalling on the Scottish Government to amend this Bill to ensure that people who are assessed ashomeless have their housing support needs assessed and receive the support they require.

Shelter Scotland has also set out a series of proposals for the Bill which we believe would improve the way that homeless households are referred for housing between local authorities and RSLs; ensure evictions for rent arrears happen only as a last resort; and protect tenants of private landlords. Shelter Scotland will look for the Bill to be amended as it progresses.