Local Issues:

Introduction:

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 placed additional responsibilities on local authorities to proactively tackle homelessness within Scotland. In response, the Scottish Executive has provided all local authorities with additional funding to assist with the implementation of their homeless strategies. In addition to the homeless services provided by local authorities, the funding is intended to offer additional resources to local voluntary organisations that work with homeless clients.
The recruitment by Communities Scotland of a ‘Special Furniture Co-ordinator’ recognised that voluntary sector furniture projects have a part to play in stabilising the tenancies of people who lead chaotic lifestyles.

Background:
In the Falkirk Council area there are currently two voluntary/charitable projects (Grangemouth Enterprises Ltd, Falkirk Homeless Project) that provide services to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
The projects individually sought funding from the Housing and Social Work Services towards the costs of delivering their services. At a meeting convened by Falkirk Council’s Housing and Social Work Services, in August 2002, it was agreed that the two projects delivered a range of services and worked to different objectives. However there was clear evidence that duplication existed in relation to the distribution of free furniture with both groups providing household goods to the same clientele.
It was therefore agreed that the two voluntary sector organisations would meet to discuss how best to deliver their services in partnership with each other and Falkirk Council. The remaining partners (There were three partners at the outset of negotiations) are now entering a third year of negotiation with Falkirk Council Housing & Social Work Service.

The furniture project continues to operate as an integral part of the Falkirk Homeless Project, with its own van and warehouse facility. The warehouse in Denny was acquired at a nominal rent through the good offices of the Falkirk District Council.
In April 2002, the Project opened its own office in Falkirk. A service level agreement was made with the Falkirk District Council for the rent guarantee scheme, amounting to £69,000 over two years from April 2002.

The grant is specifically allocated to the Rent Guarantee Scheme and may not be used for any other purposes.

Homelessness - What’s the real problem?
It doesn’t sound like too much to ask, does it? Good housing for everyone. We’re not talking mansions, just a decent place to live, a home from which to face the world.
In a civilised society like ours, everyone should have access to a proper home - and we all know that a home is much more than just a physical shelter. How we are housed affects our health, education, freedom, dignity, security, family life and the communities we live in. So why are people still enduring the misery of sleeping rough or raising children in squalor?
The reasons are complex but one thing is sure – there is a desperate shortage of good, affordable housing in the UK. All of us should be concerned about this. All of us can help in some way.