Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 2 December 2025
To ask the Scottish Government how it will use the learnings from the Ask and Act pilots to determine budget requirements for the full implementation of the homelessness duties contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.
Provisions in Part 5 (homelessness prevention) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 must commence 3 years from Royal Assent, if not already commenced. Royal Assent was given on 6 November 2025. The cost of implementation of the ask and act duties is therefore not a consideration for the 2026-2027 budget.
The learnings collected from the pilots will provide valuable data on prevention activities undertaken and volume of ‘asks’ and ‘acts’ by relevant bodies, including referrals to local authorities. These will be combined with findings uncovered from stakeholder engagement across relevant bodies and sectors, and with costs provided by local authority housing departments, so as to iterate and ratify the financial memorandum.
The findings of the pilots will also inform the drafting of guidance and regulations to help ensure effective implementation of the duties by named relevant bodies.