Evictions by social landlords continues fall in Scotland

Evictions by social landlords in Scotland have fallen by a remarkable amount, as the number of tenants facing arrears fell down over the last year, according to a new report by Shelter Scotland. Overall, there were 1,918 evictions in the period 2010/2011, signalling a 13 per cent drop on the previous year and a 46 per cent slide since the first report four years ago. The analysis also shows progress on arrears among those working with property owners covered by landlords insurance - this figure fell by one per cent despite the tough economic climate. A number of social landlords also found there to be a reduction in both evictions and arrears, highlighting that a reduction in the former does not lead to an increase in the latter. Shelter Scotland has been in a long-term partnership with social landlords including Glasgow Housing Association and Stirling Council to reduce arrears and evictions, and was particularly happy with the hard work of East Lothian Council - the authority achieved a reduction in evictions of 50 per cent, as well as a 15 per cent reduction in rent arrears during 2010/11. Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: "We have been campaigning to make eviction the last resort for social landlords and to see eviction numbers almost halved within four years is a resounding success. We congratulate those local authorities and RSLs who have made major progress in reducing evictions and urge those who are falling behind to look again at their policies and practices."