Scotland has the most ambitious homelessness programme in Europe. Local councils are at the heart of how that programme is delivered. Shelter believes that newly-elected councillors are crucial in the drive to house all homeless people by 2012. This target, which is set in law and has been internationally acclaimed, will need to be fully implemented in the council term 2007-11.

Tackling the challenge means preventing homelessness where possible and ensuring that sufficient homes are available for those who still become homeless.

Shelter is campaigning for funding for 30,000 more affordable homes for rent in Scotland to come out of the Comprehensive Spending Review. Funding for more houses will help to ease the pressure on waiting lists and temporary accommodation.

This action plan summarises the practical steps that your council can take to ensure that ambitious homelessness targets are turned into reality.

Scotland's internationally acclaimed programme to tackle homelessness received cross-party backing in 2003 and an opinion survey of people in Scotland in 2006 showed that 67 per cent backed the 2012 homelessness target as a top or high priority for Councils.