Ms McGoogan’s research project, developed in collaboration with LSA, examined whether social landlords are complying with their publication duties under section 20A of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 and section 20 housing list priorities, and the extent to which published housing allocation policies engage with human rights and equalities law.

The research found that, while there is general compliance with the 1987 Act, some housing allocation policies are out of date, or incomplete. Policies frequently reference the Equality Act but rarely address freedom of information or specific duties aimed at Public Service Equality Duty compliance – and references to human rights law are limited.

Ms McGoogan concludes that the Scottish government’s practice guide for social housing allocations and the Scottish Social Housing Charter must be reviewed and updated to provide a clear direction for establishing a human rights-based approach within Housing Allocation Policies.

The blog can be read in full here.