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.
Shelter Scotland's submission to the Universal Periodic Review March 2022
Shelter Scotland's submission to the Universal Periodic Review on progress to realising the right to adequate housing in Scotland.
Published: 31 March 2022
MSP Briefing: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-2026
Shelter Scotland briefing paper for MSPs ahead of the publication of the Scottish Government's latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-2026.
Published: 23 March 2022
Shelter Scotland prevention duty overview March 2022
Many of the proposals within the government consultation would introduce important and positive changes for people at risk of homelessness. If enacted, and, importantly, if adequately resourced, we believe these policies would help reduce the number of people who have to experience the crisis of homelessness. However, for us the litmus test for any changes to Scotland's homelessness rights must be that they will reduce housing inequality and enhance existing homelessness rights and protections. We have significant concerns about the proposal to remove people’s right to permanent accommodation and replace it with non-secure accommodation options. We strongly oppose this proposal and see it as an unnecessary dilution of Scotland statutory rights. In line with human rights-based obligations, there should be no regression of rights, and to realise the human right to adequate housing there must be security of tenure. We outline an alternative legislative change around discharging duty into supported accommodation which would meet the policy aspirations of choice and control whilst protecting the intention of the Scottish rights-based system and negating the need to regress rights.
Published: 23 March 2022
Analysis of Social Housing Need and Delivery in Scotland's Four Largest Cities
This paper intends to better understand the gap between delivering social housing locally and national plans to meet social housing need, focussing on where that need is most acute; Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. Shelter Scotland believes that greater emphasis on local delivery is required to deliver the Scottish Government’s social housing programme. By publishing this analysis, we aim to begin a debate about the harm that happens when social housing fails to be delivered locally.
Published: 11 March 2022
Open Letter: Not in Our Name
Open letter from Scottish civic society, signed by Shelter Scotland, outlining serious concerns with the UK Government's proposed Nationality and Borders Bill.
Published: 22 February 2022
MSP Briefing: Prevention of Homelessness Duties parliamentary debate, 2 February 2022
Briefing paper for MSPs ahead of the parliamentary debate on the Prevention of Homelessness Duties on 2 February 2022, outlining Shelter Scotland's views and concerns ahead of a full response to the consultation.
Published: 1 February 2022
HACT Literature Review
This literature review is the first phase of research commissioned by Shelter Scotland examining how the social impact of affordable housing can be measured. Carried out by the Housing Associations Charitable Trust (HACT), it identifies a lack of means to understand the difference accessing affordable housing makes to an individual’s life as well as an inability to assess the wider social change as people move through homelessness and housing systems.
Published: 18 January 2022
MSP Briefing: A New Deal for Tenants parliamentary debate, 21 December 2021
A briefing paper for MSPs ahead of a parliamentary debate on the Scottish Government's new draft Rented Sector Strategy, A New Deal for Tenants.
Published: 20 December 2021
Edinburgh's housing emergency 2021
This Shelter Scotland briefing outlines key recommendations, drawn from evidence gathered from our services and people living in the community who have been failed by the housing system in Edinburgh.
Published: 10 December 2021
Housing as a human right - realising the human right to housing in Scotland
Abstract: A paper considering the current context, practicalities and realities of incorporating the right to housing as defined under Article 11 of the International Covenant on Social, Cultural and Economic Rights.
Published: 10 December 2021