Homeless drop in region

Perth and Kinross Council responded to over 3300 enquiries regarding housing and homelessness, advice and assistance during lockdown.

But the council’s head of housing said homeless presentations had reduced by six per cent compared with the same period last year.

Clare Mailer announced the figures in a verbal update at PKC’s housing and communities committee meeting on Wednesday, September 2.

Ms Mailer said there was“a really focussed”approach by the council to dealing with homelessness and that she thought it had done “exceptionally well”in its response to homelessness throughout the crisis.

As a result of the recent August flooding, PKC had to provide temporary bed and breakfast accommodation for four short placements for“a very short period of time”but that was the first time the council had to use temporary accommodation throughout lockdown.

She said tenants had been “extremely supportive”throughout the pandemic and responded well to the council’s‘How to’videos posted online to help tenants deal with issues themselves during lockdown.

Ms Mailer told councillors the viewing figures for the videos increased by 20,000.

The housing chief praised the work done by council staff throughout the 2 Sisters poultry processing factory COVID-19 outbreak to support the affected households.

She added:“As always, the team has gone that extra mile.

“They have worked tirelessly around the clock with a real‘think yes’attitude and a very much compassionate and sensitive approach.

“Not only have they ensured residents received much-needed support, they have also played a significant role in ensuring that the impact of this recent outbreak has been minimised.”