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Homelessness Strategy

Homelessness is not just about housing.

In October 2004 Clackmannanshire Council completed its first corporate strategy aimed at reducing homelessness and improving services to those experiencing homelessness over the five years to 2009.

ยป Download the Homelessness Strategy

Over the period of this strategy, four aims will guide the pursuit of our vision:

  1. We will aim to reduce the proportion of households who present as homeless in Clackmannanshire so that it is in line with average for Scotland.
    The rate of homeless presentations in Clackmannanshire is twice as high as the Scottish average. There are many causes for this extraordinary high level of people with acute housing problems. However, there is strong evidence that a much greater focus on prevention would profoundly improve matters for all concerned.
  2. We will aim to extend and improve the services available to homeless people to meet best practice recommendations.
    Where homelessness cannot be prevented, the range and variety of services we offer needs to be greater in recognition of the many different needs of individuals and families, and all of the services we offer need to meet the highest standards.
  3. We will aim to increase the proportion of rehousing arrangements which are sustained.
    Repeated episodes of homelessness multiply the misery for all those affected. Proper assessment and re-assessment of need together with integrated personalised packages of support are essential if solutions are to be sustained.
  4. We will aim to establish structures and processes to support the delivery of the Strategy.
    Achieving our first three aims will mean many people in many services and agencies working together with homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, in order to meet their needs in a much more effective and coordinated way than at present.

National Context

This strategy was developed in line with recent legislative changes introduced in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and then in the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003. Both pieces of legislation introduced a range of measures to improve the rights of homeless people and the services they can expect. Please see the Scottish Government website for more information.

A major influence was the Homelessness Task Force which was appointed by the Scottish Government to review the causes and nature of homelessness, and directly contributed to the significant changes in the legislative framework for responding to homelessness.

Local Context

Homelessness in Clackmannanshire has been an increasing problem over the last few years.

Graph showing rising homeless applications

A thorough assessment of the needs of homeless people in the area was considered necessary by Clackmannanshire Council and its partners. A report to identify gaps and shortfalls in services was commissioned as part of the strategy development process. This document was completed in April 2004 and became the foundation of discussion and consultation on the way forward. See list of background papers for further details.

What have we done so far?

  • Completion of the first corporate Homelessness Strategy which involved a wide group of stakeholders. This strategy was submitted to the Scottish Executive for approval in September 2004.
  • Provision of a dedicated officer to deal with the Homelessness Strategy was appointed within the Housing Strategy Team which would oversee the development and implementation of the strategy.
  • The temporary provision of a Strategy Implementation Team to drive forward the Strategy Action Plan. This team is being jointly lead by a representative from Homelessness and Social Services, and is managed by the Director of Services To People.
  • A review of the Strategy Steering Group and changes made to the way the strategy is monitored and taken forward.

Background Papers

Local research has been carried out and discussion papers produced, there are also several documents produced nationally which tackle many key areas of homelessness.

Contact information

For further information about this page please contact:

Research and Information Officer, Housing
Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Tel: 01259 450000 Fax: 01259 452400
Email:

Or use the on-line contact form.