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.
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
Realising the Right to Adequate Housing (RTAH) for Minority Ethnic (ME) Communities Experiencing Homelessness
This report was completed by Saamiya Ahmad as part of her Masters at the University of Edinburgh whilst on placement at Shelter Scotland. It is a Critical Analysis of Scotland's Proposed Human Rights Bill and its Potential Impact for minoritised ethnic communities
Published: 15 March 2024
Shelter Scotland Written Evidence: Housing to 2040 Inquiry
Written evidence to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee at the Scottish Parliament as part of the committee's Housing to 2040 inquiry.
Published: 26 February 2024
Shelter Scotland briefing: Reaction to Scottish Budget 2024/25
Shelter Scotland briefing paper on the 2024-25 Scottish Budget as proposed by the Deputy First Minister on 19th December 2023.
Published: 31 January 2024