Homeless Persons Charter For Scotland

EDM number 103 in 1995-96, proposed by Andrew Welsh on 22/11/1995.

That this House recognises the Homeless Persons Charter for Scotland produced by Speakout as a unique expression of the views of homeless persons themselves; welcomes this positive step toward addressing the tragic plight of thousands of homeless persons, many of whom are forced to live on the streets of Scottish towns and cities; further recognises the increased vulnerability of homeless persons to violent attack, suicide, hypothermia and illness; is alarmed at reports that the average life expectancy of people living on the streets is 47 years; is mindful that the denial of a home denies homeless persons the route to full participation in society, including the right to vote, the ability to gain employment and to receive proper healthcare; agrees with Speakout that the availability of housing, the regulations of safety and sani tation in hostels, access to health services, the creation of support networks for homeless peersons, the destruction of barriers to employment and the eradication of discrimination toward homeless persons all have a crucial part to play in addressing the problems faced by homeless persons; and calls on the Government to meet representatives of Speakout to discuss what further steps can be taken to end the avoidable misery of homelessness.

This motion has been signed by a total of 41 MPs.