Homelessness

Big Issue sellers are registered and have to complete a training course and sign a code of conduct before they are allowed to sell the magazine. The code of conduct basically lists the rules that the seller must abide by. The sellers are not employed by the Big Issue they are effectively self-employed.

All registered Big Issue sellers have to wear an ID badge whilst selling the magazine. If the seller is not wearing an ID badge then do not buy the magazine. If you have any problems, comments or queries about Big Issue sellers then contact the Big Issue:

Email vendor.comments@bigissue.com

Glasgow: 01413 527 280
General enquiries: 02075 263 200/ 02075 263 444

Busking in itself is not illegal although many local authorities have passed byelaws prohibiting busking. If you want to busk it is worth contacting your local authority to see if any byelaws have been passed with regards to busking. Children under 14 years may not busk.

Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 a person should be treated as homeless, even if they have accommodation, if it would not be reasonable for them to continue to stay in it.

Councils have a legal duty to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They do this by:

• providing information and advice
• offering temporary or permanent accommodation if circumstances warrant it.

The Homelessness etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 outlined the provision that by 2012 anyone finding themselves homeless through no fault of their own must be entitled to settled accommodation (a council or housing association tenancy or private rental).