Brian asked if Scotland can learn lessons in housing from the other European countries. He feels that it is important we look to the rest of Europe as stock transfer, right-to-buy and lack of land supply are common challenges across the continent. He also revealed the similar models of social housing provision with local authorities, housing associations and cooperatives fulfilling the landlord role exist in most European countries.

He also challenged the perception that renting is more prominent or readily accepted in Europe by telling the audience that levels of homeownership are at 80% or higher in Ireland, Spain, Greece and Romania
He was concerned that there is a return to the focus on the number of social housing units being built and suggested that institutions across Europe should be concentrating on people and communities and helping them to maintain their homes.

He went on to describe the work of CECODHAS. He feels that there is strength in unity as together they represent some 22 thousand social enterprises who account for 21 million homes across Europe. He said that the work of CECODHAS showed that the sector will be more effective in achieving its aims if it speaks with one voice.

Freek spoke about the work of FEANTSA which represents organisations engaged in work on homelessness across Europe. They have lobbied national governments and have developed a common definition of homelessness that reflects the instance of poverty in Europe. This is essential because homelessness is not necessarily an issue that engages politicians or the public in Europe to the same degree of importance as in the UK.

A key aim of FEANTSA is to identify good practice and what works well in tackling homeless across Europe. Although Scotland has a good reputation and has been the inspiration for the approach being taken by France he showed that we can also learn lessons from other countries. For example, Finland has a particularly comprehensive homelessness system while Denmark has been particularly strong at providing support and addressing the issues that can cause homelessness.

He concluded that good practice did not coincide with political affiliation and we should look across Europe to inspire our own attempts to combat homelessness.