Shelter Scotland's response to the expert working group on welfare and the constitution's call for evidence

 Any benefits system should provide an adequate safety net which covers reasonable shortfalls in housing costs. Where a benefits system fails to do this households can be forced into slum housing and put at risk of homelessness.

 The benefits system should also be accessible, efficient and flexible. Where an individual or household experiences a sudden change in circumstances support should be provided quickly. If a transition back into work is appropriate, the benefits system should not act a barrier to this. Where long-term support is required, this should be made available.

 An essential part of an adequate safety net is the provision of up front support to people in crisis, or who find that they cannot afford their current accommodation. However, emphasis should also be placed on building more socially rented homes to keep pace with demand. This would also control the up-front cost of housing benefit by driving down rents.