Scotland sees fall in rough sleeping as Uk-wide figures show dramatic rise

SCOTLAND has been more successful in reducing rough sleeping than other parts of the UK, according to a new study.

National homelessness charity Crisis, which commissioned the research by Heriot-watt University in Edinburgh, has revealed that more than 24,000 people in Britain are facing Christmas sleeping rough, in tents or on public transport.

The analysis shows 12,300 people are currently sleeping on the streets, with nearly 11,950 spending their nights in cars, trains, buses or tents.

It found that, between 2012 and 2017, these numbers increased by 120 per cent in England and 63% in Wales – but fell 6% in Scotland.

Crisis also says the number of people sleeping rough in England is more than double what government statistics suggest.

The charity said the study pulled together a range of sources. This includes data from support services that record people’s experiences of sleeping rough and which, according to the researchers, is not factored into the Government’s count.

Crisis chief executive Jon Sparkes said: “Christmas should be a time of joy but for thousands of people sleeping rough, in tents or on public transport, it will be anything but.

“While most of the country will be celebrating enjoying a family meal, those who are homeless face a struggle just to stay safe and escape the cold.”