Private landlords could hold the key to Scotland achieving its internationally acclaimed commitment to end homelessness by 2012. That is the claim from housing charity Shelter at a major housing conference today.

At the event "Private rented sector review - new beginnings or false dawn?" taking place in Perth, the charity's Head of Policy, Gavin Corbett, will argue that the private rented sector has a central role to play in preventing homelessness and providing much needed homes over the next three years.

He said: "Private landlords have not always enjoyed the best reputation over the decades. But today, as never before, there are landlords who actively want to work with local councils to provide a service to a whole range of tenants, including those facing homelessness.


"With councils and housing associations staring down the barrel of tight budgets and mortgage lenders still frozen in the headlights of the housing downturn, there is no doubt that private landlords have an increased role to play in housing homeless people."

Mr Corbett said to achieve that we need to share a common aim of ridding the sector of that small minority of landlords who actively cause homelessness, and who continue to drag down the name of responsible businesses.

He added: "We need to redouble efforts to make private renting an attractive and affordable option. Housing people who are homeless in the private sector can help us meet Scotland's internationally acclaimed homelessness commitment and help ensure that people have not only the right to a home but the keys to one as well."

The conference comes as recent research by the Chartered Institute of Housing shows a sharp decline in the number of young people viewing homeownership as the ideal to aspire to, reinforcing the importance of private renting for the future.

The conference will hear from a range of experts with a wealth of experience in private sector housing, including: Rachel Gwyon, Head of Housing Markets and Supply, Scottish Government, John Blackwood, Director of Scottish Association of Landlords and Alan Sinclair, Operations Manager at City of Edinburgh Council.

(GK/JM)