Scottish charities urge UK government to scrap benefit cap to end homelessness

A coalition of nearly 40 Scottish charities and academics, convened by Homeless Network Scotland, has urged the UK Chancellor to use the upcoming Budget to scrap the benefit cap and the bedroom tax. The group is also calling for an end to the freeze on Local Housing Allowance.

The coalition argues that these UK-wide policies increase homelessness risks by making it difficult for low-income households to meet housing costs. They noted that while housing policy is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, only Westminster ministers have the authority to end these specific measures. Currently, tens of millions of pounds in Scottish public money are being diverted to mitigate the impact of these policies.

Maggie Brünjes, Chief Executive of Homeless Network Scotland, stated that the government has an opportunity to show real intent behind previous rhetoric regarding homelessness. The coalition highlighted that a £1 million prevention fund in Scotland successfully prevented homelessness for 662 households over one year, saving an estimated £10 million in costs.