Tough times for householders

HAVING A safe and warm place to sleep at night should be a necessity not a luxury.

But keeping a roof above your head is becoming increasingly challenging for a growing number of families.

Research by charity Shelter Scotland has found that one in four Scottish households are living so close to the wire financially that they would not be able to pay their mortgage or rent for more than a month if they suddenly found themselves out of work.

More than half would find themselves homeless if they were unable to get employment for three months or more.

Sadly it is not just adults who find themselves in dire straits when personal financial woes escalate.

Thousands of children in Scotland are living a nomadic existence, being dragged from pillar to post as they move around temporary accommodation provided by councils and housing associations.

Improving housing standards and ensuring that no-one is left out on the cold streets at night has long been on the political agenda.

Shelter say that thousands of new affordable homes are required if real inroads are to be made in tackling Scotland’s housing problems.

But the continuing squeeze on public spending means that a radical overhaul of Scotland’s housing stock is unlikely to come any time soon.

The best that can reasonably be hoped for is for government, local authorities and private sector partners to work ever more closely together to ensure the housing Scotland does have available is of good quality and is well maintained.

More thought should also be given to ensuring a full range of support is available to those who suffer stress, depression and anxiety through having no place to call home.

Many vulnerable homeless require mental a well as physical shelter in order to get their lives back on track.