ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by providing a brief introduction to the policy area of housing and examining how the structure of tenure has evolved in the UK and Scotland over the last two decades, emphasising the impact of devolution on law and policy in this area. The discussion then focuses on the phenomenon of homelessness, the most severe form of housing need, and one that heavily affects many users of social work services. Contributing factors to as well as the effects of homelessness are analysed, followed by an overview of the main policy developments and strategies developed to tackle homelessness and other forms of housing need.
