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.
Written evidence on the Housing (Scotland) 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: 21 April 2005
Consultation response on 'Regulations under section 7 of the Housing Scotland Act 2001'
Shelter Scotland response to the Scottish Executive consultation on ‘Regulations under section 7 of the Housing Scotland Act 2001'.
Published: 20 April 2005
A rent deposit protection service for Scotland
Over 173,000 households live in the private rented sector in Scotland. Despite this number, there is no statutory regulation of rental deposits and a significant proportion of private tenants have problems getting their money back at the end of the tenancy.
Published: 16 March 2005
Strengthening the law for mobile home residents
The Housing (Scotland) Bill contains provisions to extend legal protection for people who own their mobile home while renting a stance from the site owner. While these proposals are welcome, Shelter believes that they should be part of a broader strengthening of legal protection for people who live in mobile homes, to include those who rent the home as well as the site.
Published: 16 March 2005
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