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Homelessness Outcome Statement and Action Plan
Under the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 local authorities needed to produce a homelessness strategy. Aberdeenshire's first Homelessness Strategy (2003-2006) was written. A further strategy was not needed, after Scottish Government guidance, but local authorities needed have a Homelessness Outcome Statement and Action Plan as part of their Local Housing Strategy. Our outcome statement and action plan was approved in November 2008:
If you wish to comment on these, please e-mail housing@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Background
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 required local authorities to give temporary accommodation to all households assessed as homeless, regardless of whether or not they have a priority need. Coupled with the later provisions of the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003, the intention is to phase out the distinction between priority and non-priority homeless applications and to give permanent accommodation to all unintentionally homeless people by 2012.
As an interim measure, a ministerial statement was issued in 2005, setting local authorities a target of reducing the proportion on non-priority homelessness assessments by 50% by 2009, which we have achieved.
Homelessness in Aberdeenshire
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires each local authority to carry out an assessment of homelessness in its area.
A study of service providers and a detailed analysis of the statistical returns to the Scottish Government on homelessness applications - the Homelessness 1 form (HL1) data - for 1997 to 2002 was done by Dr Love of the Robert Gordon University.
A survey of homeless people funded from the Rough Sleepers' Initiative was also carried out in 2001.
The scale and nature of homelessness has changed little over the last five years and the key features are:
- between 1,300 and 1,500 households present as homeless each year. These numbers have been increasing steadily over the last five years. While the numbers of 16-17 year olds have remained consistent, the 18-26 year olds are steadily increasing year on year.
- single parents and young persons 16-26 are the largest categories representing approximately 33% and 25% of all presentations respectively
- single persons households make up 50% of presentations
- the most commone reasons for becoming homeless were parents, friends or relatives no longer offering accommodation, and dispute with partner at 33% of all applications in each case
Implications
Area implications
The Homelessness outcome statement and action plan relate to all areas. in Aberdeenshire. Although it is acknowledged that homelessness takes different forms throughout the county and solutions to homelessness will reflect area differences.
Policy implications
The Homelessness outcome statement and action plan bring our homelessness policies together.
This is very much a corporate outcome statement and action plan and integrates with the Local Housing Strategy and other relevant council strategies and plans. Also, it is an outcome statement and action plan developed with the interest and support of our strategic partners in the wider community.
Staffing implications
A Strategic Development Officer (Homelessness) has been employed to help prepare the outcome statement and action plan with the Prinicipal Policy Officer (Options and Estates). The Strategic Development Officer will be fully involved in its implementation and monitoring its progress.
Increased workloads are forecast as an outcome of the revised Homelessness Action Plan and further additional staffing may be needed as a result.
Financial implications
To deliver the Homelessness Action Plan and meet the homelessness provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and the requirements of Homelessness etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 will have significant financial implications. Some proposals may not be achieved without additional funding.
The additional financial burden on local authorities has been recognised by the Scottish Government. We have been allocated funding to help meet the requirements of the legislation:
- 2006 / 07 - £608,000
- 2007 / 08 - £582,000
- 2008 / 09 - The ring fencing for the homelessness budget was removed and funding is now from the General Fund and remains the same as for 2007 / 08
This funding is to be used for the prevention of homelessness. It has been used for a variety of projects including:
- development of the Homelessness Outcome Statement and Action Plan
- additional temporary accommodation provision
- staffing
Key aims and objectives
The key aims and objectives of this Homelessness Action Plan are:
- to prevent homelessness in Aberdeenshire
- to make sure those households and individuals who do become homeless are given the help and support they need to get and keep a home of their own.
Objectives
Strategic objective 1
We will have homelessness prevention measures in place, including the provision of a clear strengthened Advice and Information Framework with the aim of reducing homelessness by 5% per year.
Strategic objective 2
Homeless households will have settled accommodation with relevant support by 2012
Strategic objective 3
The health and well being of homeless people is considered in all contacts and addresses in the most coordinated way possible. The health of homeless people will be improved through increased service provision and raising awareness among staff.
Temporary Accommodation Strategy
There has been an increase in demand for temporary accommodation in Aberdeenshire over recent years.
Our Temporary Accommodation Strategy has been prepared to allow us to work with partners to increase the supply of temporary accommodation in Aberdeenshire.
