CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSION
On the basis of further consultation with the Scottish Government, ALACHO and COSLA this report will form the basis for an Action Plan to take forward the range of issues raised by councils throughout the project visits. This will involve agreeing the range of agencies to be involved in addressing the issues which have been raised and identifying lead and key players to be involved under specific tasks. The development of a timetable for the plan to be implemented will also be established.
As noted a great many changes have occurred since the project was launched in August 2006, not least the election of a new SNP led administration. Since May a number of new policy initiatives have been introduced, many of which have a direct relevance to the housing and planning concerns which councils expressed in relation to the 2012 target. The Government has confirmed its commitment to the target and reaffirmed that progress will be monitored in terms of each council's capacity to put the necessary frameworks and procedures in place. A Housing Supply Task Force comprising representatives from a cross-section of interested agencies is established with a remit to address aspects of the current planning system which impact on the provision of new housing. One meeting of the Task Force has specifically considered the issues in the context of rural and island councils. 'Firm Foundations' considers the future roles of both the housing association and private rented sectors in meeting the need for more social housing and how local councils can contribute more directly to provision of new build developments. Both the national planning framework and aspects of planning relating directly to housing have been revised and are currently out to consultation. The outcomes from these discussions and consultations will set the context and decide the detail of how many of the issues raised in this document will be taken forward.
The officers concerned with the production of this report would like to thank all those officers and elected members who gave up their valuable time in attending the meetings and giving their frank and professional opinions on the circumstances in relation to homelessness issues within their council areas.