Legislation lifts local obligation on people experiencing homelessness

PEOPLE experiencing homelessness in Scotland will no longer have to demonstrate a local connection to the services they are seeking to access.

Following legislation (here) coming into force today in Scotland, people experiencing homelessness will have the freedom to access services and settle wherever they wish.

Says a Scottish Government announcement, issued here yesterday: “People can currently be asked to demonstrate their local connection to the area where they present as homeless. If they are unable to do so, councils can refer them to another area where they do have a local link, such as somewhere they or their family members have lived or worked.”

The announcement adds: “The new legislation suspends that power for Scottish local authorities, giving people freedom about where they settle and access services. It aims to help them integrate more fully into the local community and to reduce repeat homelessness.”

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland