Renovate unused buildings to create homes for homeless people

What it asks

What the petitioner did first

1. 1 Oct 2020
   Public Petitions Committee

   New Petitions
   1 mention

1. Scotland57 72.2%
2. United Kingdom13 16.5%
3. England8 10.1%
4. Wales1 1.3%

1. Ross Cuffe 5 Aug 2020
   I would expect the Scottish Government to be fully in support of exploring this initiative.
2. Stewart McCall 5 Aug 2020
   So much abandoned buildings in liveable conditions. A radical policy like this would give homeless people dignitiy and a better chance at accessing social services and health care and ultimately the chance to get their life back in order and better integrate into society.
3. Natasha Robertson 6 Aug 2020
   I fully agree the Scottish Govt should utilise abandoned places to create safe living facilities for homeless people.
4. Caroline Kenneil 7 Aug 2020
   This is an important Petition providing one good solution to a highly urgent problem.
   This Petition relates to a number of Committees, as Homelessness and insecurity is a major cause of ill health, inequality, inability to socially intergrate, find employment and contribute to family, friends and society. Additionally upgrading localities helps raise whole neighbourhoods and provides jobs.
5. Jacqueline Marshall 21 Aug 2020
   Old discarded council buildings should be put to better use other than storage, rather than waste public money on their upkeep, put them to better use and for the good of the community
6. Bob Morley 21 Aug 2020
   Yes, but very important not to create tomorrow's slums so insist on building standards, excellent insulation etc.
7. Tommy Mclelland 25 Aug 2020
   Very good idea
8. David Dean 31 Aug 2020
   Some buildings could also be used as workshops, classrooms, IT hubs or kitchens for the unemployed to gain new practical skills or upgrade existing ones. Could be accommodation for the vulnerable in our community, disabled, those with mental health concerns or challenging life choices.
9. Stuart Whitby 4 Sep 2020
   "Unused spaces" is pretty vague. This would indicate that the Scottish Government should be able to seize the property of people who cannot find a renter or buyer or use case for their property, and that's unacceptable.
   
   If the proviso stands that these spaces are purchased at fair value from people who choose to sell, that might be okay, as would using public buildings for this purpose. Not private property though.
   
   In response to the comment which would insist on building standards, excellent insulation etc. for these buildings, who pays? The answer is "you and me", and the Scottish Government is already spending far more than they earn.