Homelessness at the core of Housing Options advice Fiona King, Senior Policy Officer Shelter Scotland National Homelessness Event September 2012

Overview - Homelessness in Scotland – Where we were, where we are, and where we want to be The ‘2012 commitment’ The role of Housing Options advice – What it can do – What it can’t do Integrating prevention and crisis response Partnerships and next steps

National picture Homelessness applications: 45,322 Priority need assessments: 92% Total social stock: 594,874 Total lets: 55,310 Lets to homeless applicants: 36% Waiting list applicants: 157,700

Progress Homelessness Task Force Evolution of service delivery Culture change / partnerships Corporate approach to homelessness/housing Work towards removal of ‘priority need’

...and drift Only recent focus on prevention More work to be done around: – Health and homelessness – Tenancy sustainment – Early intervention Lack of supply

What does a HO service look like? Integrated part of housing/hln service – about access to housing Initial diagnostic interview Person-focused, individual Impartial Better links with PRS, RSLs, support providers etc Linking need, aspiration & options across all tenures

Housing Options advice Does not replace statutory services/duties Objective shouldn’t be: reduce hln applications Should focus on sustainable housing solutions Must not become… gatekeeping – What are the triggers for a hln assessment? Needs to measure outputs/outcomes

Prevention + crisis response Different delivery models – but should have core elements Retain the homeless statutory safety net – not ‘two routes’ Integrated with progressive prevention, early intervention and a corporate approach to housing problems. Excellent customer service/good communication

Service user priorities To know where to go in a crisis To be seen quickly Information to be correct/realistic To be treated with dignity and respect To offer help and solutions, not barriers Good communication at all stages – ideally one key worker Practical next steps to get a safe home Support in new tenancy

Monitoring/measurement Scottish Government statistics working group Problem of measuring prevention Localised recording frameworks Consistency and benchmarking Role of the Regulator

Next steps… Partnership working Development of sustainable recording framework / monitoring of long-term outcomes Ongoing training and development Sharing best practice /learning points SHR – themed study?

Fiona King, Senior Policy Officer, Shelter Scotland