Accommodation: Council seeks help to shelter the homeless

Highland Council is contacting private accommodation providers in the north to seek their help in providing stable homes for those on the streets.

Housing staff are appealing to speak to private landlords and accommodation providers of shortterm lets, including Airbnb hosts who may be interested in discussing the possibility of leasing their property to the council.

Chairman of the housing and property committee, Councillor Ben Thompson, said:

“The Covid-19 outbreak has affected all aspects of our daily lives and we have seen increased pressure on our homelessness service, including demand from the loss of tied accommodation in the hotel industry.

“The situation is making it extremely difficult for us to provide suitable accommodation for people who are homeless.”

Mr Thompson said the move will help property owners maintain a regular cash flow in the coming months.