Ending Homelessness Together report charts prevention progress amid rising pressures

The report, published this week, reveals that more than £100 million was invested this year in prevention and housing support, marking the highest annual spend since the strategy began.

Ministers say the funding has helped councils expand Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans, ensuring people spend less time in temporary accommodation and move more quickly into permanent homes.

Prevention remains at the heart of the strategy, with new initiatives to support tenants at risk of eviction, mediation services for families, and tailored programmes for vulnerable groups, including young people, survivors of domestic abuse, and those leaving care or prison.

Partnership working has also been strengthened, with local authorities, health services, and charities collaborating more closely to deliver joined-up support.

However, the report acknowledges significant challenges. Rising demand for emergency accommodation, driven by cost-of-living pressures and housing shortages, continues to strain services. Ministers warned that without sustained investment and long-term housing supply, progress could stall.

Housing campaigners welcomed the government’s commitment not to roll back rights but called for faster action to address Scotland’s chronic shortage of affordable homes.

Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, Shelter Scotland assistant director communications & advocacy, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment not to roll back rights.

“It is alarming that the report made no mention of the 8,000 target for affordable homes which they committed to in the Programme for Government, let alone the 15,693 social homes needed every year to reduce homelessness.

“It’s also disappointing that this report on progress to ending homelessness makes no reference to the huge number of individuals who have been denied their homelessness rights over the last year, or the three local authorities in systemic failure with homelessness services failing to uphold their legal duties.

“The real test for the Scottish Government is the delivery of social housing. With the statistics due out next week, it must show increased speed and delivery if they are serious about tackling homelessness.”