Policy library
In this library you will find our latest policy reports, briefings, consultation responses, evidence for Scottish Parliament committees etc. This policy work underpins all of our advocacy and influencing activity to bring about change.
The Social Value of Social Housing: Year 2 Report
Understanding the social value of social housing is a 3-year primary data research project that commenced in Autumn 2021. The research was commissioned by Shelter Scotland and carried out by HACT, with support from a research consortium. This report builds on previous publications for this project and presents findings from the analysis of all of the quantitative data provided by partner organisations up to the start of February 2024. It is intended to provide interim findings based in available data submitted by social housing residents and landlords to date.
Published: 24 June 2024
A National Housing Emergency Action Plan for Scotland
In response to the Scottish Government's declaration of a Housing Emergency in Scotland, an unprecedented coalition from across the private, social and third sectors has developed a Housing Emergency Action Plan, detailing steps for how the Scottish Government should urgently tackle the emergency.
Published: 19 June 2024
Shelter Scotland briefing: Scottish Government Priorities Debates - 11 and 13 June 2024
Briefing paper for MSPs ahead of Scottish Parliament debate on Scottish Government priorities in June 2024
Published: 10 June 2024
UK General Election 2024: Shelter Scotland's Calls for Urgent Action
Key policy asks for the next UK government ahead of the 2024 General Election. We are calling on candidates from all parties to accept there is a housing emergency in Scotland and commit to doing what they can to help tackle it. We are demanding the next government: • Bring an end to the austerity fuelling the housing emergency by reforming the local housing allowance (LHA) and ensuring it keeps pace with inflation so that it more accurately reflects the real cost of renting, scrap the benefit cap and bedroom tax, and put an end to the two-child limit and so-called ‘rape clause’. • Scrap the ‘hostile environment’, provide adequate funding for councils to meet the housing needs of refugees and people seeking asylum, and embed a truly anti-racist approach to migration throughout government – especially in the Home Office. • Increase the capital grant available to the Scottish Government and make sure it keeps pace with inflation to help protect housing budgets from further cuts.
Published: 30 May 2024
Shelter Scotland written submission: Housing Bill Stage 1, LGHP Committee Call for Views
Shelter Scotland briefing paper submitted to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee in response to their call for views on the Housing (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.
Published: 16 May 2024
Open Letter to MSPs – Declare a National Housing Emergency
An open letter to MSPs from key stakeholders, urging them to declare a national housing emergency and to commit to the urgent action needed to tackle it.
Published: 13 May 2024
Shelter Scotland briefing: Housing Emergency debate, 15 May 2024
Briefing paper for MSPs ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate on Scotland's housing emergency in May 2024.
Published: 13 May 2024
Letter to First Minister John Swinney
Letter of congratulations from the Director of Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson, to Scotland's new First Minister, John Swinney MSP.
Published: 6 May 2024
Analysis of Local Authority Acquisition Policy and Practice
This paper aims to gather all available data and information on how social landlords in Scotland use acquisitions with a focus on Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.
Published: 15 April 2024
An analysis of the added value of the human right to adequate housing in Scots law
This report was completed by Jess George as part of her Masters at the University of Edinburgh whilst on placement at Shelter Scotland. It analyses the added value of the human right to adequate housing in Scots law specifically for disabled people.
Published: 15 March 2024