End cruel homeless ‘intentionality’ assessments
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has lodged proposals to end the cruel practice of assessing if someone has made themselves ‘intentionally homeless’ when seeking housing.
The proposal has been lodged by Ms Chapman as an amendment to the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill. This would ensure that there is no categorisation of homelessness, and that each person’s case for accommodation is treated fairly.
It is a change that has been long called for by charities and campaign groups, including Crisis and Shelter.
Ms Chapman said:
“This has been a long standing issue and one that has caused pain and humiliation for people in desperate circumstances.
“These assessments are a needless and cruel practice that can be used to pressure people who are already facing huge personal crises.
“Often, people who are accused of making themselves intentionally homeless are dealing with real trauma and we must treat them with respect and dignity, and offer support where we can.
“The number of people who are intentionally homeless is such a small percentage of the overall homelessness figures in Scotland.
"If we are to build a more compassionate system then it is time to end such a stigmatising and degrading categorisation that is doing nothing to help people in need.
“Once you are homeless it makes no difference whether it could be described as intentional or not. What matters at that point is helping people to get their lives back on track and offering long-term security by providing support to find suitable, safe, warm housing.”