He was giving evidence to the on 8 February 2012. Local authorities are working towards a commitment to eradicate homelessness by the end of this year. Mr Brown said achieving the target had been made more difficult because of the economic climate and because it aimed to "remove the bureaucratic distinctions between different categories of homeless people" and he restated his commitment to this. The minister revealed two authorities; East Lothian and Edinburgh faced particular pressures in trying to achieve the target but he said he was determined to make sure all councils "get through the gate by the end of the year." He also emphasised that, once they were through the gate, that was "not the end of the story" and there was a focus on "prevention and partnership" beyond the 2012 target. Later the minister was questioned on ,which sets out the minimum standards for landlords. Mr Brown told MSPs many landlords do an excellent job however he wanted "all landlords to match the performance of the strongest performing landlords." He said this charter was about "empowering tenants" and "empowering the government" so it could see public money was having the right effect and the resources would be directed at those who meet "the obligations and responsibilities" that the charter outlines. The Scottish government published its on the charter's consultation last month. Mr Brown said the latest version of the charter focussed on "16 outcomes" and he was hoping it could come in to effect by 1st April 2012. MSPs later considered subordinate legislation including European Union legislative proposals.