A new Homelessness Prevention Fund of £1.5 million to protect low-income families against homelessness has been established by the Scottish Government.

The fund will support housing associations and social landlords to work with their tenants to prevent crisis and stop families from becoming homeless.

A commitment of Programme for Government, the money will support families through accessible financial advice to reduce household costs, employment support, and in emergency situations, can also be paid directly to families.

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Making the announcement yesterday on Scottish Housing Day, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "We want to eradicate homelessness for good, and we recognise the important role of social landlords in helping us achieve this, especially through the preventative measures this fund can help with.

"Housing associations offer so much more than places for people to live – they support tenants through a range of services from financial and employment advice to linking up with health and social care.

"This fund is an important step forward in joining up services and making sure that everyone in Scotland has a safe, warm place to call home."

Sally Thomas, Chief Executive, Scottish Federation Housing Associations, said: "The Programme for Government provided a number of measures to help our sector continue its work to provide great homes in great places to live.

"We welcome the new £1.5 million Homelessness Prevention Fund for social landlords to assist low-income families and look forward to exploring with the government and members the scope of the Fund."