The Scottish Government has announced it will support over 800 people with complex needs and help them get into settled accommodation.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said funding of up to £6.5million will be used to support vulnerable people along with homeless charity Social Bite, local authorities, third sector and housing providers.

The move is part of the recommendations from the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group, which include a move to Housing First and Rapid Rehousing, which have been accepted in principle by the Scottish Government.

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The First Minister said: "Many people who become homeless or end up sleeping rough have complex needs that require specialist support as well as a house. Traditionally the approach has been to provide support and get a person 'tenancy ready' before giving them a house. But that can mean they spend long periods of time in temporary accommodation, making it harder for them to address the other issues they face.

"We want to change that, which is why we are working with Social Bite and others to invest in and expand Housing First to make it a key element of all homelessness services in Scotland. It is our priority to get a person into settled accommodation first, so they can then access support from the security of their own home.

"Now is the time for action, and to end homelessness in Scotland once and for all."

(CD/CM)