Tackling street homelessness in Scotland: the evolution and impact of the Rough Sleepers Initiative

Abstract

This paper presents a medium-long term analysis of the policy process in relation to tackling street homelessness in Scotland, through the Rough Sleepers Initiative. After setting the Scottish context in terms of governance and homelessness, the paper takes a chronological approach to policy review, drawing on empirical evaluative data and other documentary evidence. The paper then considers the overall effectiveness of the initiative in terms of its policy aims and in relation to the broader context of housing and welfare. The paper concludes by drawing some lessons which may have relevance beyond Scotland and the United Kingdom.