Consultation response: Section 11 of the Homelessness (Scotland) Act 2003
By: Shelter Scotland Published: March 2007
Shelter Scotland's comments on proposals for implementing Section 11 of the Homelessness (Scotland) Act 2003.
Summary
Section 11 of the Act allows for Scottish Ministers to prescribe a system through which local authorities will be notified whenever a mortgage lender, private landlord or registered social landlord (RSL) initiates legal proceedings to repossess a property. Such a system was recommended by the Homelessness Task Force to provide local authorities the opportunity to intervene and prevent homelessness occurring wherever possible . Where it is not possible to prevent homelessness, the early warning that a Section 11 notification provides, should allow for any period of homelessness to be more planned. This can enable a smoother transition into alternative accommodation and minimise the stress and disruption that homelessness causes to individuals and families.
