Publication - Minutes

Non-Binary Working Group - Government Support Services Sub-Group minutes: 16 December 2021

Minutes from the meeting of the sub-group on 16 December 2021.

Part of

The group discussed:

the “duty” of Local Authorities to investigate instances where individuals had made themselves homeless had been revised to a “power”
"intentionality” and local connection were important for non-binary people and training on these issues was suggested for local authorities
limited data on the impact of homelessness on LGBT communities. Collection of more data, particularly on non-binary people, was necessary
the need for an intersectional approach
equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs) on existing policies to ensure that they were suitable, including the possibility of amending policies, if evidence supported it

importance of benefits as they often impacted the most marginalised
the officials present focused on reserved benefits policy and devolved benefits sit with Social Security Scotland. Social Security Scotland is best placed to advise
issues faced by non-binary people using the benefits system, including their view that it was particularly gendered and they did not want this to be replicated in Scotland
a third gender variable would not be the solution – instead, removing gender variables which were not essential to delivering the service may be preferable

Action: homelessness officials to share details of LGBTI Equality Team with Change Group leads to explore these issues

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