The Homelessness etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 takes forward the proposals for legislative change incorporated in the final report of the Homelessness Task Force. The Act amends existing homelessness legislation, contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. It also makes changes to repossession proceedings for houses let on assured tenancies, as currently set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988.
The Act primarily affects local authorities in the carrying out of their homelessness functions. The Act contains sections on homeless people who have a priority need for accommodation, intentionally homeless people, internationally homeless people, as well as people at risk from domestic violence.