Why is this National Indicator important?
A fair society with strong, resilient communities meets the needs of all its citizens including the most vulnerable. Those without settled accommodation are less able to contribute to the economy and to access opportunities for employment or training. They are also more likely to suffer poor health.
What will influence this National Indicator?
There are a number of key influencing factors. These include:
- Effectiveness of councils' prevention activity.
- Supply of suitable affordable housing in the right locations.
- Flexibility to offer tenure solutions tailored to needs of homeless applicant.
- Ability of all social landlords - councils and housing associations - to contribute suitable lets.
- Provision of ongoing housing and wider support to help the most vulnerable stay in settled accommodation.
What is the Government's role?
Under the Housing (Scotland) Act, the Government has the responsibility to assess, by 2012, whether councils have the capacity to provide settled accommodation for the unintentionally homeless who need it. We help councils to achieve this capacity by:
- Monitoring and reviewing the operation of the homelessness system through regular statistical data collections and focused research.
- Developing and updating statutory guidance on operational aspects of homelessness legislation.
- Ensuring that guidance on housing planning, including local housing strategies, reflects the needs of homeless households.
- Enacting secondary legislation mainly on the duties and powers of local authorities.
- Providing new affordable housing through the development programme.
How are we performing?
The proportion of homeless households entitled to settled accommodation is measured by the proportion accorded priority need. After a substantial increase between 2000/01 to 2001/02 the percentage of homeless households in priority need has increased gradually each year to 79.7% in 2007/08. The latest position is an increase compared with 76.7% in 2006/07. 
Source: Scottish Government, Operation of the Homeless Persons Legislation in Scotland
Methodology
This evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 1.0 percentage points of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. An increase of 1.0 percentage points or more suggests the position is improving; whereas a decrease of 1.0 percentage points or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Further Information
2007 Spending Review Technical Note
Statistics Topic Page
Who are our supporting delivery partners?
Councils
Shelter
The Scottish Housing Regulator
Housing Associations (Scottish Federation of Housing Associations)
Related Strategic Objective(s)
Wealthier and Fairer
Healthier
Safer and Stronger