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.
Consultation on proposals for a Lobbying Transparency Bill
We have a long history of engaging fully, successfully and legitimately with the Scottish Parliament and elected members and agree that “lobbying is a legitimate and valuable activity”. A key part of our role, and that of many third sector organisations across the country, is to stand up for and ensure that the voice of our clients and vulnerable groups is heard in the parliamentary process.
Published: 30 July 2015
Welfare Reform and Work Bill Parliamentary Briefing
The Welfare Reform & Work Bill seeks to alter the support available to people facing bad housing or homelessness. We are concerned that some of the measures will make it harder for the people we help to find and keep affordable accommodation, putting many more at risk of homelessness.
Published: 30 July 2015
Response to the Commission on Local Tax Reform's call for written evidence
Our response to the Commission on Local Tax Reform's call for written evidence.
Published: 30 June 2015
Shelter Scotland consultation response: overcrowding statutory notices in private rented accommodation
Our response to the Scottish Government's consultation on Overcrowding Statutory Notices.
Published: 30 June 2015
Lay representation in Scotland's civil courts
Citizens Advice Scotland and Shelter Scotland strongly recommend that the status of lay representatives should be officially recognised in Scotland’s civil justice system.
Published: 30 June 2015
Consultation response to the Commission on Local Tax Reform
The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership's consultation response to the Commission on Local Tax Reform highlights a key concern of the partnership of the retention of incentives for long term empty home owners to bring their properties back into use.
Published: 30 June 2015
Response to the Scottish Law Commission’s Discussion Paper on Compulsory Purchase
The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership response to the Scottish Law Commission’s Discussion Paper on Compulsory Purchase.
Published: 30 June 2015
The Smith Commission and beyond: the devolution of housing benefit to the Scottish Parliament
In this paper we set out the principles that Shelter Scotland believes should underpin further devolution of social security - including housing benefit – to the Scottish Parliament, and what steps the Scottish Government and UK Governments should take in relation to the devolution of social security.
Published: 31 May 2015
A Second Consultation on a New Tenancy for the Private Rented Sector – Shelter Scotland response
Our submitted response to the Scottish Government's second consultation on a new tenancy for the private rented sector.
Published: 1 May 2015
The Devolution of Housing Benefit and Social Security: Rebalancing Housing Subsidies in Scotland
This report examines the existing Housing Benefit system in Scotland and makes recommendations for its improvement in the light of the Smith Commission's report on devolution.
Published: 1 March 2015