The Local Government and Communities Committee has published its Stage One report on the Housing Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland supports Scottish Government proposals to reform Right to Buy and how housing is regulated - but is also arguing for new measures to provide Better Support, reduce evictions, and increase housing options for homeless people.

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said: “Measures to improve the homes we live in, as well as keep those we have, rather than selling them off through Right to Buy, are welcome in this Bill.

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“There is also an opportunity here though to take real action to help keep people in their homes and stop the revolving door of homelessness. This can be done by introducing ‘Better Support’ for homeless people in this Bill. This could be as simple as filling in benefit forms, to more specialist support. Keeping people in their own homes is better for the individuals and the public purse.”

He continued: “There is widespread backing for our ‘Better Support’ call already, with young people, children's, veterans and disability charities, all backing the need for strengthened powers to make sure people get the help sometimes needed to keep their home."

“The committee’s report highlights that there is merit in our proposal but leaves it in the hands of the Scottish Government. It’s up to Housing Minister Alex Neil now to champion the rights of homeless people and push for better prevention of homelessness. He has spoken of his support for the 2012 homelessness commitment – now he needs to commit to the support needed to make it a reality,” he said.

(GK)