Ending Destitution Together: Phase Two Delivery Plan

Research and evaluation

There has also been extensive research and evaluation conducted on destitution in Scotland. The Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) at Heriot Watt have produced a detailed evaluation called 'A Fair Way Forward' of the work delivered by Fair Way Scotland with key recommendations for UK Government, Scottish Government and Local Government. These recommendations, along with those set out in the 2025 Lawmanity report ‘Ending Destitution in Scotland – A Road Map for Policymakers’ have played an important role in informing the development of actions in this delivery plan.

The evidence shows that migrant destitution in Scotland is both widespread and intricately linked to UK immigration policy, particularly the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition. COMPAS research highlights rising numbers of people approaching local authorities for support, alongside significant under-reporting, and data gaps, with national estimates suggesting the scale may be substantially higher than recorded. Migrants with NRPF are often excluded from mainstream welfare even in extreme hardship, with post‑Brexit changes increasing the number of EEA nationals affected. In response, COMPAS called for improved data collection, clearer national coordination, and minimum standards of support. The 2025 Lawmanity analysis argued that Scottish and local government already have scope within devolved powers to act more decisively, with some suggestions for further consideration including: redesigning policies to widen access, exploring financial support options, and shifting frontline practice towards more proactive, rights‑based support, while also seeking greater clarity from the UK Government on the definition of ‘public funds’.

Evidence from practice, particularly the Fair Way Scotland model, demonstrates what effective intervention looks like. Evaluations show that its integrated approach - combining accommodation, legal advice, cash support and casework - reduces destitution and homelessness, improves wellbeing, and delivers strong value for money, though current provision meets only around a quarter of estimated need. Cash‑first and flexible, person‑centred support are especially impactful, but demand continues to outstrip capacity. COSLA survey data reinforces the scale of the issue, with supported cases rising significantly in recent years and most assistance delivered under children’s legislation. Taken together, the evidence points to the need for expanded provision, more consistent local authority responses, and a strengthened, system‑wide approach to ending migrant destitution in Scotland. Nobody should be forced into destitution. People who are subject to NRPF are members of our communities and we should be able to support them at times of crisis.