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 must take steps to stop people from becoming homeless in the first place. This means offering advice and support to help people stay in their current home or find a new one before they lose their housing. Councils may help with things like finding a private rental, applying for benefits, or resolving issues with landlords. If someone is at risk of homelessness, the council can also help secure accommodation to prevent them from ending up without a place to live. The goal is to act early and give people the help they need to avoid a housing crisis.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Housing


Duty type

Public impact


Social determinant of health

Social and community context

Emerging policy and legislation


1

Bodies with shared interest

Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)
Shelter Scotland

Standards and frameworks


2