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PRIORITIES FOR 2005
- Our main priorities for 2005 are
reflected in the work that will be undertaken by the
three subgroups which we have established to focus on
the major issues to be addressed this year. The
detailed workplans for these groups are set out in
Appendix C. All three groups will report back to the
Monitoring Group - a combined workplan is at Appendix
E. The main priorities are:
- Advising Ministers on the content of the statement
to be made by the end of this year on the abolition of
priority need by 2012, taking account of relevant data
relating to the supply and quality of accommodation and
the availability of support.
- Advising Ministers on the implementation of
sections 4-6 of the Homelessness etc Scotland Act,
taking account of relevant research and ensuring that
local authorities and others receive appropriate
support.
- Continuing to promote and support action which
makes culture change a reality; through raising
awareness of homelessness, the Homelessness Task Force
recommendations, and the true potential of homeless
people; and through the identification and
dissemination of good practice.
- Our recent review of progress being made
in implementing the Homelessness Task Force's
recommendations has highlighted the following
particular issues which we will take forward over the
next year:
- • There is a need to consider progress against the
suite of recommendations relating to
DWP/Jobcentre Plus activity in the
context of wider work being undertaken by these
agencies, in order that the recommendations are taken
forward in the most appropriate manner. For example, to
consider the recommendation made as a result of the
evaluation of housing advice services in Scottish
prisons, to increase the length of time housing benefit
is payable.
- There are a number of linked issues relating to
people leaving institutional settings which should be
the focus of further consideration.
- There is a need to consider action on implementing
recommendation 22 regarding Audit Scotland's rent
arrears
SPI in light of Communities
Scotland's thematic study on evictions.
- There is a need to develop an evidence base on
illegal eviction in order to progress recommendation
23.
- We will also:
- continue to monitor local authorities'
implementation of their legislative duties towards
homeless people, including overseeing the continuous
improvement of homelessness and housing strategies and
development of local outcome agreements;
- consider legislative proposals in relation to
regulations under section 7 of the Homelessness etc
(Scotland) Act 2003 and the implementation of section
11 of that Act;
- consider the evaluation of the Rough Sleepers
Initiative and provide advice on future
monitoring;
- monitor the implementation of the Health and
Homelessness Standards; and
- monitor the impact of the new Homeless Persons
Unsuitable Accommodation (Scotland) Order;
- continue to work to ensure that homeless people are
empowered and involved in the development and delivery
of services.
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