Crisis calls for stronger measures to end homelessness following Scottish budget

Responding to the Budget, Maeve McGoldrick, Head of Policy and Communications at Crisis Scotland, said: "Today’s announcement fails to recognise the importance of investing in ending homelessness as part of the budget’s ‘cost of living package’ or in its child poverty measures.  

“While we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest in new affordable homes, this alone is not enough to end homelessness. The failure to prioritise and invest in prevention means that more people will be pushed unnecessarily into the trauma of homelessness, with councils remaining under increasing pressure trying to cope with demand via so-called temporary solutions, further fuelling the housing emergency. 

“What’s more, failing to invest further in the national roll out of Housing First means that those in the most vulnerable situations won’t get the housing support they need, once again forcing more people into the trauma and indignity of rough sleeping and homelessness. 

“If the Scottish Government wants to truly end homelessness, it must match its ambition with action. We need dedicated investment in support services to help people keep their homes and avoid homelessness in the first place. A lack of dedicated funding will undermine the success of the new prevention duties in the Housing Act. 

“As we approach the Scottish election, it’s crucial all political parties commit to ending all forms of homelessness in Scotland by 2040 and create a nation where everyone has a safe and secure home. Only with long term strategic investment in both housing and preventative support services will this become a reality.”