The Scottish Government's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group has set out new recommendations in order to meet the commitment to eradicate rough sleeping in Scotland.

This builds on the previous recommendations from the group in November 2017, 'Tackling rough sleeping this winter', which was backed by an initial £328,000 worth of investment from the government and group members.

The Scottish Government will provide an further £150,000 to continue some of the services to summer whilst the latest recommendations are taken forward.

Housing Minsiter Kevin Stewart said:

"As we come out of a particularly bad winter period, the action group's work so far has been vital in ensuring front-line staff are supported and that people are helped to move into safe and warm places to stay. Additional funding will allow the work that has taken place in our main cities to continue while we take the group's hard work forwards."

Jon Sparkes, chair of the action group and Chief Executive of Crisis UK, said:

"Nobody in Scotland should have to endure the danger and indignity of sleeping rough. [...] We can end rough sleeping in Scotland. Other countries and cities around the world have done it, so we know it's possible. With the right political will and momentum, we can make this a reality in Scotland too."

You can find out more about the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group, its work, and the recommendations by following the links below.

Resources

Scottish Government Article (07/03/18): Action to end rough sleeping (external website)

Scottish Government: End Rough Sleeping in Scotland: Interim Report (external website)

Scottish Government: Ending Rough Sleeping in Scotland: An interim report on the activity of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group (PDF)

Scottish Government Article (28/11/17): Tackling rough sleeping this winter (external website)

scottish Government: Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group: recommendations (external website)

Scottish Government: Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group (external website)