Scottish Government and COSLA have issued non-statutory guidance for local authorities, social landlords and private rented sector landlords to help them meet duties and legal requirements during the coronavirus pandemic.
While recognising the range of challenges of allocating housing during the Covid-19 crisis, the guidance also provides practical considerations and takes the strong position that:
“… delays to allocations risk the safety of some of our most vulnerable groups and will create a backlog within the housing sector which will slow progress towards a recovery. It is crucial to ensure empty properties continue to be allocated throughout this period wherever possible. Where issues are identified strong partnership working across the housing sector and government should aim to address these issues and find practical solutions.”
You can read the guidance here.