Homelessness Task Force (HTF)
The Homelessness Task Force (HTF) was established in 1999 and published recommendations in its final report:
The HTF helped influence the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 - the main effects were as follows:
Local authorities must provide a minimum of temporary accommodation for all homeless households
Local authorities must provide permanent accommodation for all priority need households who are unintentionally homeless
Local authorities must produce homelessness strategies
Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) must provide accommodation for priority need households as requested by local authorities unless there is a 'good reason' for refusal
Recommendations from the HTF form the blueprint for current policy on effective measures for preventing and tackling homelessness in Scotland and have been endorsed by the Executive and the Scottish Parliament.
Of the 59 recommendations from its final report, some have been taken forward in the 2003 Act and others are being taken forward by the Executive in partnership with councils and others. These recommendations represent a comprehensive approach involving a wide range of measures for effective prevention and management of homelessness.