Draft guidance is presented. Local authorities’ duties to homeless people are set out in the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 as amended by both the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and the Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003. Section 32(8) of the 1987 Act sets out that a local authority, in exercising its functions under section 31 or 32 in respect of an applicant having a priority need for housing by virtue of a dependent child residing with them, must have regard to the best interests of the dependent children.
It must also ensure that accommodation provided is suitable for occupation by such children, so far as consistent with their best interests. This draft guidance has been produced to help local authorities carry out this duty and ensure that the best interests of children are being met fully and equitably across the country.