£3m plea to tackle B&B crisis

Holyrood urged to help

West Lothian Council has created a programme to cut homeless figures but warned the Scottish Government it will need more money to set it up - and more help from housing associations.

Studies urged by the government across Scottish local authorities have shown that reliance on councils alone to solve the problem is not going to work.

West Lothian Council wants registered social landlords (RSLs) to provide 75 per cent of their social lets to homelessness.

The rapid rehousing transition plan approved by the council’s executive aims to increase access to all social rented housing and reduce the reliance on council properties and temporary B & B accommodation.

All Scottish councils must have a plan to reduce homelessness and the council’s plan will now be submitted to the Scottish Government for approval.

In West Lothian one of the key aims is to improve access to affordable housing and reduce the length of stay in temporary accommodation.

A report to the executive highlighted that good progress has been made in initial stages and a strategy has been established.

The council has submitted a resource bid to the Scottish Government of £3milion over the five years of the plan, which it says is essential for its delivery.

The use of RSLs is key to the success and one of the key factors will be moving more homeless people into RSL properties.

The council’s report highlighted risks, including that the RSLs are concerned about the level of support available and the uncertainty of Scottish Government funding.

Head of housing Ann Marie Carr said: “Homelessness is often associated with people sleeping on the streets but in West Lothian that is extremely uncommon.

“In reality homelessness means having to sleep on a friend’s or relative’s sofa, stay in B&B accommodation paid for by the council or live in temporary accommodation.

“None of these options are good for the individuals or families concerned. None of these short-term arrangements provide a long-term solution for homeless people.”

She added: “For councils there is simply not enough affordable property to home everyone who needs one.

“Despite increasing our affordable housing portfolio by over 900 homes over the past five years, the waiting list for a council home is over 8000.

“The plan sets out how the council will work with local partners and focus on early interventions, prevention and options to help stop homelessness in the first place.

“To improve the situation we’re looking at other housing options for people, including tenancies within RSLs, private rented tenancies and low- cost home ownership.

“These options will, for many people, ensure that they move out of homelessness and into sustainable long terms homes more quickly.”

Executive councillor for services to the community George Paul said: “There is a saying that everyone is only three missed pay packets away from a crisis and it’s very important to remember that homelessness can affect everyone.

“Many people that present as homeless in West Lothian are young people who have been thrown out of their family home or have experienced a relationship breakdown whereby a couple split up.

“Many of those that present as homeless are employed and have various housing options available to them.

“Whilst a council house is an option, it is not the only option. Going down that route in isolation can lead to long waiting times, given the limited resources available.

“Early intervention and prevention is key to reducing homelessness and our teams will be proactively looking to do both, working with local RSLs and other partners to help move more people out of temporary accommodation and into long term homes.

“The council isn’t the only organisation which can do something about ending homelessness locally. It is essential that our bid to the Scottish Government of £3 million is successful to allow us to move forward.

“We believe it is also important that RSLs play their part and increase their commitment to provide for 75 per cent of their social lets to homeless.”

Everyone is only three missed pay packets away from a crisis and homelessness can affect everyone George Paul