Legislative Consent Motion for the Welfare Reform Bill: Evidence from Shelter Scotland

Shelter Scotland would like the Scottish Parliament to take a wide view in considering the impact of the Welfare Reform Bill (WRB), and in particular, the implications for Scotland’s internationally acclaimed homelessness legislation and devolved policy.

Shelter Scotland supports the principle of a ‘Universal Credit’ and recognises the need to reform the benefits system, however, we do not support many of the specific provisions contained within the Welfare Reform Bill.

The combined impact of the measures in the WRB will, we believe, add to the challenge of meeting the 2012 commitment which says that all unintentionally homeless households will be entitled to a permanent home. Scottish Government analysis of the welfare reform cuts points to rising levels of homelessness and hardship. These cuts not only undermine the recent progress local authorities have made in preventing homelessness, but will also threaten their ability to remedy homelessness.