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.
First Month's Rent Flexibilities - Good Practice Guide
This joint good practice guide between Shelter Scotland and SFHA explores the issue of first month's rent flexibilities. It draws on findings from a survey for housing associations and aims to give recommendations on how housing associations can be supported to be flexible around the first month's rent.
Published: 30 September 2017
Shelter Scotland Impact Report 2016/17
This summary of Shelter Scotland’s work and impact in the last year highlights that Scotland is still very much in the grip of a housing crisis. It is a housing crisis with a human cost that disproportionately impacts on some of the most vulnerable in our society. It is for this reason that our work today, sadly, remains as vital as it did when we were founded in Scotland, nearly 50 years ago in 1968.
Published: 31 July 2017
Shelter Scotland response to The Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation) (Scotland) Amendment 2017
This consultation response sets out Shelter Scotland's view on the proposed amendment to the Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation) (Scotland) Order. The amendment proposes to reduce the limit for time spent unsuitable accommodation from 14 days to 7 days.
Published: 31 July 2017
Consultation on Scotland's Energy Efficiency Programme: Shelter Scotland response
Shelter Scotland welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Energy Strategy – Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP): National Infrastructure Priority for Energy Efficiency.
Published: 31 July 2017
Scottish Government consultation on energy efficiency and repairs in the PRS Shelter Scotland response
Shelter Scotland supports the broad principles of the current proposal to regulate for a minimum energy efficiency standard in the private rented sector, as well as to amend the repairing standard, as a means to further level the playing field between private tenants and their counterparts.
Published: 30 June 2017
Scottish Government consultation on energy efficiency: the views of private tenants
This report represents the views of private tenants in Scotland on Scottish Government proposals to implement a minimum energy efficiency standard in private rented housing, gathered through a variety of methods.
Published: 30 June 2017
Shelter Scotland response to LG&C Committee call for evidence on homelessness
Shelter Scotland welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Local Government and Communities committee’s call for evidence on homelessness. This response sets out our position on homelessness and a range of related topics.
Published: 30 June 2017
Child Poverty Bill Stage 1 Debate Briefing
Too many children across Scotland are living in poverty. In 2015/16, 190,000 children in Scotland lived in relative poverty before housing costs, 20,000 more than during the previous year.
Published: 31 May 2017
Briefing Note on Removal of Automatic Entitlement to Help with Housing Costs under Universal Credit for 18-21 year olds
Shelter Scotland has serious concerns about the removal of help with housing costs under Universal Credit for 18-21 year olds and believe the policy is ill-conceived and far from achieving any positive economic or social benefits, will have a detrimental impact on some of the most vulnerable in society, exactly those young people the welfare system should aim to protect.
Published: 31 May 2017
Evictions by social landlords in Scotland 2012-2016
This report re-examines the issue of social sector evictions due to rent arrears, which Shelter Scotland reported on annually from 2008 to 2013 covering the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2012.
Published: 30 April 2017