Evictions by social landlords in Scotland 2012-2016

Key points from the report:

Since 2013/14, there has been an increase in social sector eviction (covering local authority landlords and registered social landlords) across most parts of Scotland.

There are wide variations in the level of eviction actions across the social rented sector with some Local Authorities and RSLs not widely using the threat of eviction to manage arrears.
The positive action from some local authorities and RSLs illustrates that, despite continued cuts to social security, reducing eviction actions and engaging successfully with tenants is possible.

The majority of eviction actions are in response to rent arrears.

For local authorities they account for 95% of all evictions, while they account for 89% of evictions by RSLs.

Only 6% of all evictions are the result of anti-social behaviour.

Shelter Scotland believes that the increased use of eviction action in the social sector is likely a response to changes to social security, which have been reflected in changes to rent arrears management.

Local Authority evictions analysis:

In 2015/16, local authorities issued 25,956 notices of proceedings, took 8,871 cases to court, were granted 3,994 decrees for eviction and carried out 1,300 evictions.

Since 2013/14, the number of cases taken to court increased by 24%, the number of decrees granted increased by 46% and the number of evictions increased by 41%.

In 2015/16, local authorities issued 2,332 more notices of proceedings than in 2013/14.
Registered social landlord (RSL) evictions analysis:

In 2015/16, RSLs issued 11,630 notices of proceedings, took 4,209 cases to court, were granted 1,607 decrees for eviction and carried out 830 evictions in 2015/16.

Since 2013/14, the number of cases taken to court decreased by 8.6%, the number of decrees granted increased by 15% and the number of evictions increased by 5%.

In 2015/16, registered social landlords issued 62 more notices of proceedings than in 2013/14.