Councils in Scotland are being given an extra £16 million to help
tackle homelessness by moving people swiftly from temporary
accommodation into settled homes.
The funding, to be awarded over the next two financial years,
takes the total investment in rapid rehousing to £53.5 million.
Rapid rehousing aims to ensure people spend the shortest amount
of time possible in temporary accommodation, giving them a
settled place to live as soon as appropriate.
The package includes an investment of £6.5 million in the Housing
First pathfinder to support people with multiple and complex
needs.
Housing Secretary said:
“Tackling homelessness is about much more than just providing a
bed for the night. Temporary accommodation is an important safety
net, but most people need a settled place to stay where they can
rebuild their lives.
“Rapid rehousing is based around the idea that most people need a
settled home, and this new funding will help councils progress
their Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans to move people as quickly
as possible into appropriate, settled accommodation.
“The best way to reduce the number of households in temporary
accommodation is to prevent homelessness from happening in the
first place, and today’s announcement follows the recent
publication of our consultation on plans for new legal
duties on public bodies, highlighting the shared public
responsibility to prevent homelessness in Scotland.”
Background
Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans cover an initial period of five
years from 2019. The new funding comprises £8 million in 2022/23
and £8 million in 2023/24.
Consultation on prevention
of homelessness duties. Closing date 31 March 2022.
