Evictions by local authorities in Scotland: an interim joint paper from Shelter and LSA

The results suggest that to smooth out local and national policy contradictions, best practice guidance might be useful. Local authorities receive mixed signals from national government, being key players in the wider social inclusion agenda, but also being under pressure to deal with anti-social behaviour and improve financial performance.

Best practice guidance should aim to square authorities' drive to collect rents with the need to prevent evictions and resulting homelessness. It could emphasise alternatives to eviction, such as payment actions, which local councils currently use very infrequently.

A second paper will be produced by Shelter Scotland and Legal Services Agency later in 2003 detailing issues of practice in handling evictions.