Homelessness in Renfrewshire – Action Plan - Appendix
Renfrewshire Council · 19 May 2026
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 19 May 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC Homelessness Action Plan for Renfrewshire 2026 - 2028
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 1. Housing Options / Solutions 1.1 Target of 55% of general lets to homeless applicants from Council to be met 56% of general lets to homeless group in 2025/26 Housing Services Manager Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager 55% target to be met 31 March 2027 1.2 Agree target % lets to homeless applicants from all local / national RSL’s % of RSL general lets to homeless applicants in 2025/26 still to be verified. Each RSL has its own target Homeless Services Manager RSLs Review to be carried out with each RSL and targets agreed 31 July 2026 1.3 Assess feasibility of a ‘matching’ process for allocating properties to homeless applicants, in line with Allocation Policy and Homelessness Code of Guidance Officer working group being established to progress this action. Homeless Services Manager Area Housing Manager Develop and agree a revised approach for Homeless Services and Allocations team 30 August 2026 1.4 Assess impact of a pilot ‘1 reasonable offer’ approach for allocation of housing to homeless applicants Homeless applicants currently may receive up to 2 ‘reasonable’ offers Homeless Services Manager Area Housing Manager Assessment of possible impact to be carried out and recommendation on next steps – possible ‘pilot’ project 30 Sept 2026
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 1.5 Address mismatch between demand and supply of 1 bedroom accommodation. Assess feasibility of ‘flat sharing’ tenancies for homeless applicants (see also 2.5 in relation to flat sharing in temporary accommodation) Annually c80% of homeless applicants are single person households ‘flat-sharing’ previously tested in partnership with The Simon Community Housing Options & Homeless Prevention Co- ordinator Options developed, including use of ‘under-occupation’ Feasibility assessed and recommendations made 31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026 1.6 Tenancy ‘Flipping’ – review process for ‘flipping’ temporary accommodation into a secure tenancy for the occupant and agree an updated approach Note: tenancy ‘flipping’ can only become a regular occurrence once the stock of temporary accommodation meets demand 1 property ‘flipped’ in 2025/26 Homeless Services Manager Area Housing Manager Review carried out and recommendations made 31 October 2026 1.7 Review pathways of accessing Discretionary Housing Payments to prevent homelessness through access to private rented sector (PRS) for those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness Access to PRS is currently largely unaffordable for many homeless applicants 29 homeless applicants supported to access PRS in 2025/26 Housing Options & Homeless Prevention Co- ordinator Establish potential number of homeless applicants who can be supported to access PRS 31 Dec 2026 1.8 Tenancy sustainment (see also 3.2) – monitor impact of Homelessness Action Plan measures on tenancy sustainment rate. 85% of homeless lets by the Council were sustained for at least 12 months (2024/25) Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Impact of Action Plan 2026-2028 on tenancy sustainment reviewed 31 March 2028
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 2. Temporary Accommodation 2.1 Stock of furnished temporary accommodation to be balanced to match demand Current stock - 303 furnished properties: • 175 RC ‘scatter’ flats • 33 ‘staffed’ accommodation flats • 42 RSL scatter flats • 53 supported accommodation flats Number of occasions when temporary accommodation not offered in 2025/26 still to be verified and published by Scottish Government Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Housing Services Manager RSLs Nett increase of 30 properties in 2026/27, then review target for 2027/28 Target for number of occasions when temporary accommodation not offered to be set once 2025/26 figures verified 30 April 2027 2.2 Reduce / cease the use of hotel accommodation, and the number of breaches of the Unsuitable Accommodation Order (see also 2.13 – impact of ‘out of area’ placement of homeless applicants in Renfrewshire hotels by other local authorities) 23 single person households in hotels at 15 April 2026 Number of breaches of Unsuitable Accommodation Order in 2025/26 still to be verified and published by Scottish Government Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Number staying in hotel accommodation reduced Target for breaches of Unsuitable Accommodation Order to be set once 2025/26 figures verified 30 April 2027 2.3 Ensure the number of children living in temporary accommodation remains relatively low and monitor any health and wellbeing impacts on children 48 children from 25 households living in temporary furnished accommodation Homeless Services Manager HSCP Maintain/reduce relatively low number of children living in temporary accommodation 31 March 2027
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 2.4 Review provision of temporary accommodation which meets the needs of those with a disability 5 x wheelchair-access, furnished properties. (OT visits other properties to advise on adaptations based on the needs of those being placed there) MAPPA & Service Development Co-ordinator Review completed and any recommendations made 30 November 2026 2.5 Maximise ‘flat-sharing’ opportunities in temporary accommodation Previous ‘pilot’ project with Simon Community discontinued due to limited take-up Housing Options & Homeless Prevention Co-ordinator Assessment of feasibility of successful ‘flat- sharing’ arrangements 31 March 2027 2.6 Decommission Thrushcraigs Crescent ‘staffed’ accommodation Site likely to be decommissioned during 2026/27 to support the Council’s Regeneration Programme Homeless Services Manager/ Housing Regeneration Manager Accommodation de- commissioned 31 March 2027 2.7 Procure supported accommodation project for single homeless people and childless couples who may have complex needs (Abercorn Street) Procurement process underway Homeless Services Manager Tender issued for project 31 October 2026 2.8 Assess whether there are any new / alternative providers of temporary accommodation in Renfrewshire Currently leasing temp accommodation from: Council, Paisley HA, Williamsburgh HA, Linstone HA, Bridgewater HA, Sanctuary HA plus the use of several hotels MAPPA & Service Development Co- ordinator Assessment of new or alternative providers completed 31 December 2026
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 2.9 Consider re-commencing the use of Private Sector leasing of temporary accommodation Private sector leasing used previously (3 properties) but ceased due to issues with Letting Agent registration requirement for staff, and low number of potential PSL properties. Homeless Services Manager Assessment of options completed 31 January 2027 2.10 Review the need for deployment of additional temporary frontline posts 9 x temporary posts currently deployed within Homeless Services to support response to demand pressures Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Review of resources completed 30 September 2026 2.11 Resettlement assistance – seek resources to extend the use of resettlement assistance for those transitioning from temporary accommodation. 3 temporary posts funded via RRTP. Funding announced by Scottish Government for 2026/27 Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Resources identified – confirmation of on- going RRTP funding obtained 31 March 2027 2.12 Review impact / cost / content of Starter Packs provided to those moving into new tenancies – including feedback from service users. 539 Starter packs provided in 2025/26. MAPPA & Service Development Co- ordinator Review completed and recommendations made 31 October 2026 2.13 Assess impact of other local authorities making ‘out-of-area’ placements in Renfrewshire hotels in relation to ‘failures to offer temporary accommodation’. n/a Homeless Services Manager Neighbouring local authorities. 0 ‘failures to offer accommodation’ due to out-of-area placements by other local authorities 31 March 2027
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 2.14 Increase feedback recorded from those placed in temporary accommodation on quality, standards etc. and ensure feedback is used to drive service improvement. % satisfied (2024/25 figs.): • quality of advice (97%), • quality of temporary accommodation (95%) • overall quality of service received (96%) Homeless Services Manager Increase in number of responses, maintain high levels of satisfaction, record any changes in service delivery based on feedback. 31 March 2027 2.15 Assess the effectiveness and potential savings by having in-house team (porters) carrying out valets at our stock of temporary accommodation (pilot initiative run in 2025/26) In-house team have been carrying out valets instead of contracting with an private company Benefits, efficiency and any cost savings to be established MAPPA & Service Development Co- ordinator Cost / benefit assessment completed, and recommendations made. 30 September 2026 2.16 MAPPA – establish baseline for time service users spend in temporary accommodation and consider how quicker ‘move-ons’ can be safely achieved Establish baseline for 2025/26 MAPPA & Service Development Co- ordinator MAPPA partners Reduction in average time spent in temporary accommodation for MAPPA cases. 31 March 2027 3. Homeless Prevention & Housing Support 3.1 Maximise the % of homeless applicants provided with housing support Analysis produced in April 2026 highlights that those who receive/engage with housing support more likely to sustain a tenancy Homeless Services Manager Housing Support Services Manager Maintain / increase proportion of homeless applicants engaging with housing support 31 March 2027
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 3.2 Track impact of housing support on tenancy sustainment and repeat homelessness Analysis produced in April 2026 highlights that those who receive/engage with housing support more likely to sustain a tenancy Housing Support Services Manager Local housing teams and RSLs briefed on role of Housing Support and positive impact on tenancy sustainment Assessment completed on housing support resources required to meet demand 31 December 2026 31 December 2026 3.3 Encourage a holistic approach to preventing homelessness through strengthening community wide advice on broader housing options and address public expectations of accessing social rented housing and support. Sessions for frontline housing services and RSL staff on ‘housing options and homeless prevention’ planned for 2026. HSCP ‘Ask & Act’ pilot looking at this issue. Homeless Services Manager HSCP Sessions with frontline staff carried out. 31 January 2027
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 3.4 Track repeat homelessness Analyse abandoned tenancies including reasons for abandonment / destination for those former tenants. Review good practice examples from ‘Ask and Act’ pilot projects funded by Scottish Government to establish improved ways of working to prevent homelessness and repeat homelessness. 6.2% in 2025/26* 4.9 % in 2024/25 6.5% in 2023/24 *to be verified 122 abandoned tenancies (Council only) in 2025/26. Pilot projects just commenced Range of partners have a role with these 3 tasks: Housing Services Homeless Services Housing Support RSLs HSCP 3rd sector organisations Reduction in repeat homelessness and number of abandoned tenancies. Improve understanding of the reasons behind tenants abandoning tenancies 31 March 2027 3.5 Monitor the impact of homeless presentations from private rented sector 128 homeless applications from PRS in 2025/26 Homeless Services Manager Monitoring process established and any actions identified. 31 March 2027 3.6 Assess the feasibility of deploying family mediation resource(s) to support the response to youth homelessness and maximise family reconciliation opportunities. Work currently included within the role of 2 x Youth Housing Options Adviser posts Housing Options & Homeless Prevention Co- ordinator Assessment carried out and recommendations made. 31 December 2026 3.7 Submit regular updates to Communities and Housing Policy Board Regular reports and service updates on nature/scale of homelessness issues submitted to Policy Board. Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Regular Policy Board reports and / or Service Updates to be submitted during 2026 - 2028 First update on Action Plan to be submitted to CAH Policy Board in January 2027
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 3.8 Complete annual review of RRTP Most recent Annual Review submitted to Scottish Government in summer 2025. Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Annual Review submitted to Scottish Government. Tbc once advised by Scottish Government. 3.9 Continue joint working with Throughcare Services to ensure care experienced young people are offered housing options advice in line with the Throughcare Protocol, and / or they can easily access Throughcare Satellite flats to avoid homelessness. Throughcare Protocol in place. Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Children Services Review effectiveness of joint working arrangements. 31 March 2027 3.10 Increase number of ‘Promise Keepers’ across Homeless Services. 1 Promise Keeper Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Number of Promise Keepers increased. 31 March 2027 3.11 Implementation of new ‘Ask & Act’ duty – assess impact on homeless referrals and prevention Housing (Scotland) Bill introduces Ask & Act Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Impact assessed and any actions required identified To be set once ‘Ask & Act’ is rolled out by Scottish Government 3.12 Review / update hospital discharge protocol Protocol in place Housing Options & Homeless Prevention Co- ordinator Area Housing Manager HSCP Protocol reviewed and updated 31 March 2027 3.13 Ensure homelessness / housing support issues are included in Council’s ‘hoarding’ policy Housing Support Co- ordinator has become member of Officer Working Group developing policy in this area. Housing Support Services Manager Homelessness and Housing Support reflected in ‘hoarding’ policy. 31 March 2027
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 3.14 Review impact of the use of Housing First approach, and funding sources. 102 households being supported via Housing First approach. (WRAP, NHP, Open Doors, and in-house team). Housing Support Co-ordinator Maintain high-level of use of Housing First approach. 31 March 2027 3.15 Review impact of Year 1 of New Harbour Project and Open Doors initiative (RCA). New Harbour Project launched in Mar 2026 Open Doors - 30 service users Housing Support Services Manager New Harbour Project review completed Open Doors initiative review completed 31 March 2027 31 October 2026 3.16 Domestic Abuse Policy for Housing Services (including homelessness) to be approved and published Policy drafted for consultation Housing Lead Officer (Policy, Performance & Participation) Policy approved for implementation 30 August 2026 4. Future Planning and Service Development 4.1 Commission external review to provide independent oversight on delivery of Homeless Services in Renfrewshire, our Action Plan and assess compliance arrangements. (see also 4.8) n/a Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager External review undertaken and associated report provided 30 November 2026 4.2 Review out-of-hours ‘stand-by’ service following de-commission of Thrushcraigs Crescent accommodation (see 2.6) Telephone access to in- house advice and/or temporary accommodation provided in evenings and weekends MAPPA & Service Development Co- ordinator Review completed and recommendations made 31 March 2027
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 4.3 Assess changes in demand and impact on resources, temporary accommodation etc considering impact of: • UK migration policies. • Suspension of ‘local connection’ • SPS early release programme. • Delivery of new build programmes for Council and RSLs. • acquisition of properties Impact assessments on- going Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Assessment carried out 31 March 2027 4.4 Review staffing structure in Homeless Services to ensure sufficient resources in place n/a Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Head of Housing Services Review complete and recommendations made 31 March 2027 4.5 Assess feasibility of migration to new housing management IT system for homelessness case management etc Possible migration to NEC system now included in Phase 2 of HIP project Homeless Services Manager Housing Solutions Manager Work with HIP project team to assess feasibility 31 January 2027 4.6 Review policy for setting rent charge for temporary accommodation Rent setting policy approved and implemented from April 2025 Finance Business Partner Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Review of rent charging policy undertaken 31 December 2027 4.7 Assess interest in reconvening the Renfrewshire Homelessness Partnership Homeless Partnership role currently incorporated within quarterly Housing Provider Forum meetings Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager RSLs Assessment carried out with partners. 31 December 2026
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PUBLIC Ref Action Baseline at April 2026 Responsible Officer/ Service Outcome Timescale 4.8 Scan what is taking place in other Scottish local authorities – any lessons to be learned for Renfrewshire – (see also 4.1) Reviewing other local authority’s homeless action plans Homeless Services Manager Scan completed and any actions identified added to Action Plan 30 September 2026 4.9 Monitor the increase in supply of social rented housing and consider how the affordable housing supply programme/SHIP/empty homes work could help address longer term demand from homelessness. Monitoring on-going Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager Strategy & Place Manager Maximise opportunities to increase access to settled housing for homeless applicants 30 March 2027 4.10 Homelessness Action Plan reflected within Local Housing Strategy and Service Improvement Plan, and develop homelessness profile setting out the extent and nature and trends in homelessness in Renfrewshire to inform service provision and the next LHS/HNDA Homelessness covered extensively in current Local Housing Strategy and SIP Homeless & Housing Support Services Manager and Strategy & Place Manager Action Plan reflected within LHS and detailed homelessness profile produced 31 October 2026
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PUBLIC Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Renfrewshire Council Renfrewshire House Cotton Street Paisley PA1 1BR