Technical Notes 2023, Issue 83 - Temporary Accommodation Standards

1. The purpose of this technical note is to provide an update on the new standards framework introduced by the Scottish Government.  The aim of the framework is to ensure that all temporary accommodation for homeless households throughout Scotland is of a consistently high quality.

Background

2. A working group was established with a wide range of stakeholders to review the advisory standards published in the Code of Guidance on homelessness in November 2019.
3. The framework covers four main areas of standard levels that should be achieved by all social landlords, including local authorities – physical; location; service; and management.
4. The temporary accommodation standards are based on standards already published, and which have been updated. Many are not new, nor are the definitions. Instead, they build upon and consolidate those of previous standards as well as the existing standards covered by legislation.
5. The standards must be applied by all social landlords to their temporary accommodation, as well as to any temporary accommodation stock from other providers.   
6. The Scottish Government will continue to work with local authorities and/or key partners to determine how and when the standards framework can likely be enforced.  Further updates will be provided as/when appropriate.
7. The standards are published on Scottish Government’s website
8. The Housing Service uses a range of accommodation options in order to meet its statutory duty, including Council owned accommodation; lead tenancies; housing association flats; supported accommodation; interim supported accommodation; rapid access and emergency accommodation (bed and breakfast). 
9. As part of the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, a review of temporary accommodation provision/standard is carried out on an ongoing basis.  Reviews include:

• Size, whether the property is of a suitable size, based on annual demand profiles.
• Adaptations, whether the stock profile is short on properties with specific adaptations, based on annual demand profiles.
• Condition, whether the property meets the Council’s letting standards.
• Community, whether there are any previous/current neighbourhood issues that would impact on the properties use as temporary accommodation.  The decision on whether, or not, to continue using the property as temporary accommodation is also considered, as/when appropriate, due to anti-social behaviour issues, property condition, complaints and energy efficiency concerns etc.  Consideration is also given with regards to the availability of alternative stock, whether to replace any returned temporary accommodation i.e. whether, or not, the property was in location, a particular size, or, had adaptations/features that would be difficult to replace.

10. Reviews will now include consideration of the Framework.  Any policy changes required to meet the standards will be reported to relevant Management Teams and/or Committees.