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.
Compulsory leasing of empty homes in Scotland
Shelter proposes that the Housing Bill introduces a mandatory leasing scheme for local authorities to allow them to bring empty properties back into use.
Published: 9 March 2005
Homelessness in Scotland 2003-04
This paper provides current information on homelessness in Scotland. It outlines the extent of homelessness and the main reasons why people become homeless.
Published: 13 January 2005
Sanctions and sweeteners: rights and responsibilities in the benefits system
There have always been conditions imposed on the receipt of benefits but recent policy decisions have extended use of conditionality and the trend looks set to continue. The primary purpose of conditions is to influence the behaviour of claimants to achieve a broad range of policy aims including tackling poverty and promoting social inclusion. Such policies also seek to boost popular support for welfare and persuade voters that it is in their interest to fund the welfare state.
Published: 23 December 2004
Policy briefing: housing benefit
This looks at the way government policy supports, and often fails to support, people on low incomes to meet their housing costs.
Published: 23 December 2004
Investigation report: Know your place
This report starkly illustrates the growing inequalities in housing wealth and how this is leading to a society increasingly divided by where people live.
Published: 17 November 2004
Empty Homes 1
This information sheet summarises recent facts on empty homes in Scotland. It also provides a brief analysis of why homes become empty and potential solutions to bringing empty properties back into use.
Published: 31 October 2004
Temporary accommodation in Scotland: two years on
In September 2002 local authorities took on new responsibilities to provide temporary accommodation to homeless people who, until that point, had only been entitled to “advice and assistance”. This new duty was mainly designed to help single people so that if they were homeless the local council would provide some short-term accommodation and assistance to give them time to find somewhere more permanent to stay
Published: 13 October 2004
Response to proposals for a private sector housing bill
Shelter welcomes the proposals for legislation covering the private sector in Scotland. Since devolution the legislative focus has overwhelmingly been on changes to the landscape of social housing, with little attention paid to the private sector.
Published: 13 October 2004
Proposals on the Private Sector Housing Bill
This briefing provides a description of the Scottish Executive’s consultation paper, Maintaining Houses – Preserving Homes. It also sets out some initial comments from Shelter Scotland on the Executive’s proposals
Published: 20 August 2004
Initial views on the second report of the Housing Improvement Task Force
This paper outlines Shelter’s initial views on the second report of the Housing Improvement Task Force. The first section deals with general points, and the second section reviews the report chapter-by-chapter.
Published: 12 August 2004