In our response to the Scottish Government consultation on a Ministerial Statement for modifying local connection referrals in Scotland we reaffirmed our strong commitment to the suspension of local connection referrals in Scotland, endorsing the position that better housing outcomes are more likely to be achieved through increased choice for the households affected, than a strict application of a legislative test by a local authority.
We understand that any change in legislation brings with it a level of uncertainty, and agree with the need to monitor any impact of the change on a local authority’s ability to meet their homelessness and housing duties.
We do not anticipate that any impact on local authorities will outweigh the positive benefits achieved for those directly affected, and we support robust and transparent monitoring and reporting to be sure.