Extension of modification of unsuitable temporary accommodation rules in Scotland to allow placement of homeless families in hotels and bed and breakfasts

New statutory instrument extends provision to 30 June 2021

New regulations have been issued which extend the modification of unsuitable temporary accommodation rules in Scotland to allow the placement of homeless families in hotels and bed and breakfasts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In force from 31 January 2021, when the current modifications expire, the Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation) (Scotland) (Modification and Revocation) (Coronavirus) Order 2021 (SSI.No.10/2021) -

• provides for local authorities to provide accommodation within hotels and bed and breakfasts for homeless households who need to self-isolate or otherwise comply with physical distancing guidelines which have come into being as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and
• allows for such accommodation to be provided where the local authority is unable to place the household in suitable accommodation as a result of the impacts of Covid-19 on accommodation supply in the area, provided that where a household includes a child or a pregnant woman the household is not placed in unsuitable accommodation for more than seven days.

The provisions are temporary and will expire on 30 June 2021.

SSI.No.10/2021 is available from legislation.gov.uk