These eviction actions contrast starkly with the national policy focus on preventing homelessness and are surprising in light of generally improved homelessness practice in the last few years.

This interim paper from Shelter Scotland and the Legal Services Agency summarises the recent eviction records of local authorities based on information on evictions, collected and published by the Scottish Executive. It illustrates that their eviction practices conflict with some national homelessness policy objectives and highlights wide variation in practice between areas.

The results suggest that to smooth out local and national policy contradictions, best practice guidance might be useful. Local authorities receive mixed signals from national government, being key players in the wider social inclusion agenda, but also being under pressure to deal with anti-social behaviour and improve financial performance. 

Best practice guidance should aim to square authorities' drive to collect rents with the need to prevent evictions and resulting homelessness. It could emphasise alternatives to eviction, such as payment actions, which local councils currently use very infrequently.