The Scottish Executive is undertaking an internal review of social rented housing in Scotland, which is due to report to Ministers in June 2007. This review follows the publication in February 2007 of Ends and Means: The future roles of social housing In England, conducted by Professor John Hills and commissioned by Department of Communities and Local Government, and the publication in November 2006 of a discussion paper from Newhaven Research for the CIH looking at the future for social renting in Scotland. Both of these reports reflect on the position of social renting; rather than presenting solutions or recommendations, they focus on the current situation and future trends. It is the role of the social housing sector and the Executive in Scotland to focus debate on shaping the future that it wishes to create.

This position paper sets out Shelter's initial contribution to the debate by outlining the role that tackling homelessness and providing good quality housing for all should play. Everyone in Scotland should have a decent, warm, affordable home. A good home is also the foundation for everything else that is important for Scotland's people - good health, good education, a sustainable environment and a thriving economy. With housing now being included in the 'Health and Wellbeing' portfolio, the role that housing plays in the lives and livelihoods of Scotland's people should be at the centre of the agenda of government.