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SECTION 2: PROGRESS AGAINST TOP 5 HOMELESSNESS OUTCOMES
Introduction
36. This section considers progress against the top 5 outcomes as set out in the Group's remit. This focus on outcomes for homeless people has been emphasised through the reports of the previous Homelessness Monitoring Group and the local outcome agreements and progress reports requested from local authorities.
37. For each of the outcomes, this section considers information from homelessness statistics, local outcome agreements and progress reports submitted by local authorities and Communities Scotland's independent inspection programme in order to assess progress. This section also describes activity being undertaken at a local and national level to attempt to improve outcomes for homeless people. As part of that consideration the report also notes progress against the relevant Task Force recommendations. It is acknowledged that some areas of work contribute to many, or indeed all, of the outcomes, for example health and homelessness; for the purposes of the report this topic is discussed under outcome 3.
38. It should be noted that robust information on outcomes for homeless people is not always available and that some information which is collected is not straight-forward to interpret. Communities Scotland inspectors have found that councils vary in their practice in recording homelessness applications and assessments, and also found a range of examples of inaccurate reporting of outcomes. The national homelessness statistics system has recently been revised but further work is required to ensure returns are as consistent as possible.
39. Also, it should be borne in mind that there are many factors which could potentially affect outcomes for homeless people and a number of these will be outside the control of local services.
40. In some cases, working towards achieving one outcome may be seen to be at the detriment of achieving another - for instance uncovering hidden homelessness could lead to a conclusion that an authority is failing to prevent homelessness as the numbers being assessed as homeless increase. However, the authority may actually be achieving both outcomes - i.e. assisting people in 'hidden homeless' situations to make an application where appropriate but also acting to prevent homelessness for other people where that is an appropriate course of action.
41. Given the broader contextual changes outlined in Section 1 there is a case for reviewing the current reporting framework to ensure that it is fit for purpose and complementary to the National Performance Framework. This should include consideration of the continued appropriateness and relevance of the top 5 outcomes as currently construed, with a specific focus on the meaning and concept of hidden/visible homelessness.
Conclusions: The current reporting framework should be reviewed. |
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