Number of Scots being housed in temporary accommodation soars

The number of Scots being housed in temporary accommodation has increased by more than a quarter, the latest homelessness figures show.

Scottish Government statistics showed that as of September 30 last year there were 14,151 households in temporary accommodation – a 24% increase on the same date in 2019.

Over that period, the number being housed in bed and breakfasts virtually doubled: rising by 99% from 710 in September 2019 to 1,414 the following year.

Charity campaigners at Crisis said the record numbers of people being housed in temporary accommodation meant some would have to struggle without access to proper cooking and laundry facilities.

Authorities across Scotland acted to move rough sleepers off the streets at the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year.

Crisis chief executive Jon Sparkes said: “There is no doubt that extraordinary action by national and local government, as well as homelessness services, saved lives from both coronavirus and the cold, but these interventions are short-term solutions.”

Despite the increase in the numbers living in temporary accommodation, the figures showed a decrease in the number of people seeking help for homelessness.

Between April and September 2020 a total of 16,997 homeless applications were received – 10% less than the same period in 2019.

Meanwhile, there were 13,645 households which were assessed as being homeless over the same period, a drop of 14%.

The report explained some councils had seen a reduction in the numbers coming forward for help as “households were reluctant to approach homelessness services while Covid-19 guidelines advised households to remain at home, meaning households whose housing needs were less urgent opted to remain in their current accommodation”.

Jon Sparkes.