Councillors in West Lothian are set to convene this week to review and finalise an update to the local authority’s five-year plan aimed at efficiently housing homeless individuals. This revision of the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) will be presented to the Scottish Government for consideration. The Scottish Government has been working towards a goal of eradicating homelessness and mandated local authorities in 2018 to formulate comprehensive five-year plans outlining strategies to expedite the process of providing stable housing to homeless households.
In 2019, West Lothian Council introduced its local RRTP, outlining initiatives to prevent homelessness, enhance access to social rented housing, and diminish dependency on temporary B&B accommodations. The upcoming meeting of the West Lothian Council Executive Committee will involve assessing the proposed final update to the RRTP before its submission at the end of January. The council’s report acknowledges a substantive gap between the demand for affordable social housing in West Lothian and the available supply, leading to significant pressure on homeless services within the region.
Despite facing challenges such as the impacts of Covid-19 and the rising cost of living, the RRTP continues to serve as a pivotal strategy for the council in driving positive changes in homelessness services and aligning with the Scottish Government’s objectives to eliminate homelessness. A notable progress report highlights achievements during 2023/24, including a decrease of 7.1% in homeless applications, a reduction in the length of stay in temporary accommodation by 11 days, and an increase in housing allocations to homeless households.
As the RRTP approaches the conclusion of its five-year term, council officers are already developing a new three-year homeless strategy to build upon the successes of the RRTP and integrate its principles into mainstream services. Julie Whitelaw, Head of Housing Customer and Building Services, emphasised the ongoing challenges faced by the council in addressing the persistent demand for homeless services. The evolving strategy aims to collaborate with key partners and stakeholders in enhancing efforts to achieve the shared goal of ending homelessness in partnership.
The upcoming decision on the RRTP update underscores the council’s unwavering commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. By continually refining strategies and fostering collaborations, West Lothian remains dedicated to creating a more inclusive and sustainable housing environment for all residents in need.