Performance - homelessness
Last updated | 01/10/2008
Why is it important?
Since 1999 the Scottish Executive has had a radical agenda for tackling homelessness in Scotland, aiming towards the 2012 target for all homeless people to be entitled permanent secure rented housing. Homelessness is a corporate priority and it is important to acknowledge that resolving homelessness is not just about housing but it is about providing the necessary support and healthcare for people to successfully move on after homelessness.
How is Perth and Kinross doing?
The number of households assessed as homeless or potentially homeless fell in 2006/07. However, this figure is likely to increase in future as new legislation means that the definition of priority need will be relaxed resulting in more households becoming eligible for housing. The council’s homeless service is delivered in a climate of increasing demand for both temporary and permanent accommodation solutions. The availability of social rented housing is extremely limited and increasingly households are being accommodated in bed and breakfast accommodation pending a move to temporary accommodation.
Increase in the average time taken to process Homelessness presentations
| |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Target 2010 |
| Average time (weeks) |
25 |
21 |
26 |
25 |
Source: Housing and Community Care MIS
Increase in the number of households assessed as homeless or potentially homeless during the year
| |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Target 2010 |
| Number of households assessed as homeless or potentially home-less during the year |
848 |
658 |
833 |
830 |
Source: Audit Scotland
Steady in percentage of cases reassessed as homelessness or potentially homeless within 12 months of the previous case being completed
| |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
Target 2010 |
| Cases reassessed as homelessness or potentially homeless within 12 months of the previous case being completed |
3% |
4% |
4% |
2% |
Source: Audit Scotland
What influences performance?
The Council’s statutory duties to homeless people determine the level of demand for temporary accommodation and the availability of social rented housing for let determines supply. The demand for emergency and temporary accommodation is increasing. However, we are seeking alternative accommodation solutions in the private sector.
What is Perth & Kinross Council's role?
The council is both a direct provider and commissioner of accommodation and support services for our homeless population. We deliver these services through hostels and our pool of temporary accommodation. We play a key role forging partnerships with other providers of services to this client group including health care and housing and specialist support providers and we regulate standards across the sector.
What is Perth & Kinross Council's influence?
Significant
