DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer
Councils can declare a Local Housing Emergency where significant housing pressures are affecting their area, such as shortages of suitable accommodation, affordability challenges, rising homelessness, or other exceptional housing circumstances. A declaration can help focus local action, partnership working, and strategic responses to housing issues. When considering a declaration and any resulting actions, councils must have regard to guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers.
Legal status
Discretionary
Duty category
Housing
Duty type
Public Impact
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Associated data returns
Bodies with shared interest
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
Scottish Housing Regulator
Shelter Scotland
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland