New Futures Fund - Missed opportunity to build on success

Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) has welcomed the announcement of continued funding for the New Futures Fund. SCSH has been pressing for a decision on the future of the Fund for some time and is pleased that a decision has finally been taken. Of the 105 projects funded, 30 specifically target people who are homeless. This means the £15 million over three years announced by the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong learning, Wendy Alexander, will be welcomed by many SCSH members.

However SCSH Director, Robert Aldridge , argues that this is a missed opportunity to expand the scheme.

"Whilst the £15 million is welcome in consolidating the valuable work of existing new Futures Fund services, it does not ensure that all those who could benefit from New Futures type services will have access to the scheme wherever they are in Scotland .

This is a missed opportunity to create a more comprehensive network of New Future type opportunities across Scotland . There is a debate to be had as to whether the mainstream can change enough to meet the needs of the most excluded. Specialist New Futures type services will be required in the long term to bridge the gaps between homeless people and mainstream services.

Feedback from our members has shown the New Futures Fund to have created new opportunities for innovative and much needed work with their clients. The interim evaluation report into New Futures concluded it has been effective in assisting those most excluded toward training, education or employment. Many more excluded people in Scotland could benefit from an expansion of the scheme"