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.
Covid Exit Plan: Supporting People in Housing Need out of the Pandemic
Shelter Scotland's recommendations for what is needed to support people in housing need out of the pandemic.
Published: 24 May 2021
Covid-19 Committee Consultation Response – Emergency Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts
A response from Shelter Scotland to the Covid-19 Committee's consultation on the further extension of the Emergency Coronavirus legislation.
Published: 1 February 2021
Letter to Cabinet Secretary for Finance – Scottish Budget update
Letter from Alison Watson to Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes, following an update to the Scottish Budget 2021/22. Letter to Scottish Finance Secretary outlining Shelter Scotland's response to the Scottish Budget 2021/22, welcoming the extra financial commitment to affordable homes outlined in the Budget Update, and looking ahead to the forthcoming Housing to 2040 publication.
Published: 1 February 2021
Letter to UK Government on No Recourse to Public Funds
This letter was sent from the chair of the Private Rented Sector Resilience Group to the UK Government. The letter sets out two key asks to address concerns that group members have on non-EU national's ability to sustain their tenancies during the pandemic.
Published: 1 February 2021
Letter to UK Government on welfare
This letter was sent from the chair of the Private Rented Sector Resilience Group to the UK Government. The letter sets out three key welfare asks that group members consider are needed in order to support people whose incomes have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and help them to sustain their tenancies.
Published: 1 February 2021
Shelter Scotland Briefing: Scottish Budget 2021/22
A Shelter Scotland briefing paper ahead of the Stage 1 Debate on the 2021/22 Scottish Budget. The paper looks at the impact of the budget on housing and homelessness in Scotland.
Published: 1 February 2021
Local Government and Communities Committee briefing - Unsuitable Accommodation Order SSI 2021/10 Motion to Annul
Briefing for members of the Local Government and Communities Committee regarding the Unsuitable Accommodation Order.
Published: 1 February 2021
Shelter Scotland submission to the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership
With the rising presence of poverty and inequality there is an urgent need for economic, social and cultural rights to fully protect those most in need. Scotland faced a housing crisis prior to the outbreak of covid-19 and this pandemic will only exacerbate these pre-existing inequalities unless concrete measures are taken. A human rights-based approach to recovery from the pandemic is necessary if we want to start tackling the root causes of our housing crisis.
Published: 24 January 2021
Reviewing consumer redress in Scotland's social and private rented sectors
This report provides a short review of existing systems of redress in Scotland’s social and private rental sectors and, drawing upon international examples, indicates some key principles which may inform future debate as to the design and effectiveness of systems of redress and dispute resolution.
Published: 20 January 2021
Letter to the housing minister on removing the Unsuitable Accommodation Order exemptions
We have written to the Housing Minister calling on him not to extend the Unsuitable Accommodation Order (UAO) exemptions currently in place until end Jan 2021
Published: 19 January 2021