The Scottish Government has launched a £4 million Homelessness Prevention Pilot Fund to support public bodies and third sector organisations in testing new approaches to prevent homelessness. This fund accompanies the proposed “Ask and Act” duties in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which require public bodies to ask about housing situations early and take action to prevent homelessness before it occurs.
Administered by Advice Direct Scotland, the fund will help organisations develop, test, and embed practical prevention measures. It aims to identify at-risk groups, assess resource needs, and share best practice approaches.
Examples of approaches the fund will support include:
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Early intervention and targeted prevention activity
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Multi-agency collaboration across housing, health, and social care services
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Replicable partnership models and shared-resource initiatives
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Co-designed projects involving people with experience of homelessness
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Targeted initiatives addressing critical points in service pathways
Who Can Apply?
The fund is open to public bodies (including local authorities, health boards, the police, RSLs, and prisons) and third sector organisations. Consortia combining multiple organisations are also encouraged.
Key Dates:
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Application deadline: Friday 17th October 2025
For more information and to apply, visit the Advice Direct Scotland website.
