Question reference: S6W-25484
- Asked by: Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 14 February 2024
-
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 6 March 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding any pressures on housing and homelessness services as a result of its decision to remove local connection requirements for accessing homelessness services.
Answer
There are a number of avenues for local authorities to engage with Scottish Government on this issue including via the Housing Options Hubs, through the Local Connection Solutions Group and via the regular meetings between local authority and Scottish Government officials. Local authorities are also encouraged to contact Scottish Government officials on an ad hoc basis regarding any queries they have or issues they want to raise. In addition, local connection has been an agenda item at meetings the Minister for Housing has had with Housing Convenors.
Scottish Government officials also meet specifically with the island local authorities on a regular basis as per the Island Community Impact Assessment, which was completed in advance of the legislation.