Councils lose £20m a year due to Tory funding cuts
TORY cuts are robbing Scotland’s council homelessness services of at least £20million a year, according to COSLA.
The local authorities’ body identified the cuts in a response to the Scottish Government’s Local Government and Communities Committee’s call for evidence on homelessness.
SNP MSP Bob Doris, who convenes the committee, said: “These comments from COSLA bring to light once again the very real damage that the UK Tory Government are causing in Scotland’s communities.
“We have seen the disastrous impact their austerity agenda is having on the most vulnerable people – closing Jobcentres, capping social security payments and scrapping housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds.
“The shortfall in funding caused by Tory cuts – at least £20million but likely to be significantly higher – will only damage our communities more and prevent councils from taking the necessary action to support those in need.
“The Scottish Government have made every effort to support those in homeless situations – with homeless applications falling in recent years because of the Scottish Government’s sensible and compassionate approach that puts the interests of people first.
“It is deeply disappointing to see Tory Government cuts are set to once again harm the progress that we are making.”
The Scottish Government claim homelessness applications have come down in recent years due to their person-centred approach. They also claim £3billion to build at least 50,000 affordable homes and bring empty homes back into use will also help support those in need of housing.