Struggle to house the homeless
Hundreds of people in despair across East Kilbride and Strathaven Demand for temporary housing outstrips supply Struggle for council remains ‘constant’ Lack of social housing is blamed
Local authority admits concern over latest figures
Statistics show that homelessness in East Kilbride and Strathaven remains high and consistent. In this special report, Andrea O’Neill gauges the council’s response and asks our MSPs what can be done to solve the problem... We have seen, and continue to see, the construction of new social housing developments
The plight of people registered homeless is proving to be a constant struggle for the local authority to tackle and prevent, according to the latest figures.
In fact, the desperate situation is only getting worse with austerity driving a shocking rise in homelessness.
This week homeless charity Shelter Scotland warned that the average time homeless families with children spend in temporary accommodation across the country has risen by almost 20 per cent in the past two years.
A distinct lack of social housing is being blamed for government failings in keeping up with the “constant” demand.
The News can reveal that a staggering 2000 South Lanarkshire households were made homeless over 2015/2016.
And 416 of these individuals, couples and families were from the East Kilbride and Strathaven area.
But with only 235 accommodation places available to meet the level of need locally – 361 households were still left homeless at the start of this year – the situation is at crisis-point.
South Lanarkshire politician Graham Simpson described the situation as “stark” while East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani highlighted the Scottish Government’s pledge to build 50,000 affordable homes.
While sleeping rough on the streets and in shop doorways is an aspect of homelessness, people are also deemed homeless if they have no place to call their own and find themselves in temporary accommodation or secure facilities – such as Lindsay House homeless unit in East Kilbride Village.
The council say it is their duty and priority to prevent homelessness by helping people keep or find a home.
However, the local authority admits that levels in East Kilbride remain “constant” and that they face an ongoing battle to give support to every one of those in need.
Executive director of housing and technical resources, Daniel Lowe, said:“Homelessness continues to be a challenge both at a local and national level.
“Levels of homelessness remain high, with almost 2000 households becoming homeless in South Lanarkshire last year (2015/16).
“This is in addition to those applying for housing and being placed on to the council’s general housing list.
“In 2015/16, over 400 homeless households approached the council for assistance with housing from the East Kilbride and Strathaven area.
“The council’s priority is to prevent homelessness, where possible.
“A range of housing advice and support services are provided, including specialist services to households regarding housing rights, including the private sector; for households experiencing financial difficulties; for those experiencing domestic or other abuse; and those with health needs or more complex vulnerabilities.”
If you find yourself homeless, the council offers advice on the housing options available to suit that particular household’s needs.
For families and individuals who have no home or have lost their accommodation, they will help to access settled accommodation and provide any necessary support.
For homeless households, the council will provide suitable emergency or temporary accommodation.
Mr Lowe added: “Given the demand for temporary accommodation, South Lanarkshire Council has a range of options available which include First Stop, supported and mainstream temporary accommodation.
“The council and other partner providers work hard to support homeless households, some of whom have complex needs. Given the potential impact homelessness can have on health and wellbeing, our vital support services can make a real difference.
“Following a recent inspection by the Care Inspectorate, the council’s housing support (Homelessness) service received ‘very good’ grades.
“Homelessness levels continue to be high with the council seeing levels in the East Kilbride area remaining relatively constant.”
Responding to the figures, Ms Fabiani said: “All unintentionally homeless households in Scotland are entitled to settled accommodation.
“I know the council and their partners work hard to support those who find themselves homeless. We have seen, and continue to see, the construction of new social housing developments in East Kilbride from both the housing association sector and from the council.
“An important step, too, in tackling the issue was the Scottish Government’s legislation to stop the right-to-buy. The policy was aimed at safeguarding stock and to ensure people can access social housing when they need it most, whilst ensuring housing associations and councils manage their assets and invest new developments.
“We must remember, too, that the SNP Government have also committed to build during this parliamentary term 50,000 affordable homes, of which 35,000 are for social rent. That, I am sure, will make a difference to our needs.”
Central Scotland Tory list MSP Graham Simpson hit out at the figures. He said: “Scotland has a homes crisis. We basically don’t have enough. All parties are committed to building more. The figures for South Lanarkshire are stark, as they are throughout the country. We need greater investment in homes.
“I will be keeping a close eye on the Scottish Government’s progress
hitting its target of 50,000 new homes in the life of this parliament.
“It is going to take close collaboration with councils, the social rented sector and the private sector in order to meet that figure.
“East Kilbride has suffered from too few homes for years so, while I don’t want to see greenbelt eaten into, we need to identify new sites and allow the right type of homes to be built there.”