RISE OF THE SOFA SURFER
Political Correspondent DIRE predictions of a rise in homelessness unless governments take action have been released.
It is projected that there will be an increase by more than half over the next 25 years if current trends and policies continue.
The report by housing charity Crisis detailed the different categories of homelessness estimating there are currently almost 12,000 people homeless in Scotland.
The study predicts rough sleeping will almost double and people in temporary accommodation rise by one third.
According to the research 800 people are sleeping rough in Scotland, 2,100 households were in temporary accommodation and 2,300 people were living in hostels.
John Sparks, chief executive of Crisis, said: “We still exist because homelessness still exists, and today’s report makes it only too clear that unless we take action as a society, the problem is only going to get worse with every year that passes.
“That means more people sleeping on our streets, in doorways or bus shelters, on the sofas of friends or family, or getting by in hostels and B&Bs. In order to tackle this, it’s crucial we first understand the scale of the problem.”
The campaign group said Scottish Government policies like aiming to build 35,000 homes for social rent and a Child Poverty Bill would help slow the process in the short term but the longer term predictions were for big rises.
Sofa surfing, where people are not on the streets but relying on family and friends putting them up for short periods before moving on, is predicted to rise by almost 25% over the next 10 years.
Rough sleeping, the most acute form of homelessness, is expected to rise from 800 to 1500 across the country unless mitigating action is taken.
Mr Sparks added: “Now is the time for action and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to find solutions and bring these forecasts down.”
Opposition politicians warned that benefit cuts and council budget cuts were making the problem worse.
Pauline McNeill, Labour’s housing spokeswoman, said: “These projections are absolutely horrifying.”
She added: “The warning signs are there. Ministers must now take action. It would be grossly negligent for these warnings to be ignored.”
In Glasgow the city council hosted a homelessness summit earlier this summer with a focus on developing solutions to tackle rough sleeping.
Council departments, health officials, and third sector organisations attended in the City Chambers to share current practice and ideas for the future.