All kids deserve a safe place to stay

AS MOST of us tucked into our Christmas dinners, thousands of people were worried about having a roof over their heads.

And every year the problem seems to get worse.

It’s disgraceful that so many do without in a country with so much to go around.

Shameful statistics show 11,200 children were described as homeless last Christmas.

It was 10,695 the year before and 9665 in 2013.

The number is up 16 per cent over the three years.

Charities have long warned we are falling well short of ambitions to make sure everyone has a decent, permanent home.

Political parties of all stripes go into every election promising to sort out housing shortages and deal with chronic waiting lists.

Too often, the struggle turns into a political dogfight while charities scramble for diminishing resources.

Meanwhile, food banks are springing up around Scotland at an alarming speed.

And the UK Government’s policies are punishing the most vulnerable.

If ever there was a need for a new year resolution, this is it.

Everyone in power needs to take a long look at dismal statistics like these on homelessness.

Then they need to work together to make sure no child is left without a warm and safe place to stay.