Prevention of homelessness is the key challenge for local authorities in Scotland as the 2012 target for ending homelessness draws closer.

Both speakers illustrated the problems and approaches that are currently being enacted in both Scotland and England.

Catherine gave an overview of the situation in Glasgow. The City is in the process of closing the hostels that it has used to accommodate homeless people. This means that the main concern of the city id to find permanent accommodation for people that currently rely on these hostels for shelter. Glasgow now makes greater use of their floating support to help people live in 1700 furnished temporary flats.

The change in policy may help explain the reduction in the level of repeat homelessness figures. However the city still faces a huge challenge as the Housing Demand Study has estimated that there were 6000 new applicants last year alone.

Sarah then gave an account of the situation that local authorities in England face since the Homelessness Act 2002 required local authorities to formulate strategies for tackling homelessness.

She said that councils were focusing on the prevention of homelessness. This is being achieved by being more proactive in dealing with the wider causes of homelessness and supporting people who are in danger of losing their home. This could be related to anti social behaviour, rent arrears or housing benefit problems. This has required councils to adopt the mantra of ‘spend to save’ as the costs of ensuring a continued tenancy outweigh the cost of eviction and re-housing.

English local authorities also benefit from the services of regional based teams of Homelessness Specialist Advisors. They offer training diagnostics and practical support to council staff. They also enjoy a regional champion programme which promotes areas of good practice.