Scotland sees 4% reduction in homelessness but rise in children in temporary accommodation
By News Scotland, , , ,

Homelessness applications and the number assessed as homeless both reduced during 2015/16 according to a new publication by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

The Homelessness and Housing Options Statistics also show:

  • A 4% reduction in homelessness applications during 2015/16 compared to the previous year
  • 28,000 cases assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness, 5% lower than the previous year
  • Households in temporary accommodation remained unchanged though there was a rise in the number of children in temporary accommodation

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure everyone has access to a warm and safe place to stay, and I welcome the decrease in the number of homeless applications and households being assessed as homeless.

“It is, however, our aim to stop people becoming homeless in the first place which is much better for our people and our communities, and of course our homelessness services.

“While there are many reasons for families staying in temporary accommodation, I am disappointed in the increase in the number of children in temporary accommodation. Although the majority of temporary accommodation is good quality, well managed social housing which is of the exact same standard as permanent accommodation, I am keen to see these numbers decrease and people to have a settled home.

“I will therefore continue the work of my predecessor in this area, who wrote to all Local Authorities who were experiencing increases and outlined the government’s concerns.

“We must address the various reasons for families staying in temporary accommodation and I will continue to work together with local authorities and partners in the best interests of all households looking for permanent accommodation.”

Shelter Scotland said the statistics showed 591 more children were homeless and living in temporary accommodation in 2015/16 than the year before.

Adam Lang from the chairty called the figures ‘worrying’ especially when combined with the 220,000 children living in poverty in Scotland.

He said: “The impact of poverty and homelessness on children’s health and life chances can be devastating. Children living in temporary accommodation can miss up to 55 school days a year, that’s a quarter of the school year.

“If Scotland is serious about tackling child poverty and closing the educational attainment gap, then ministers must act now to ensure that all children in Scotland have access to a safe, secure and affordable home.”

The full statistical publications are available at: http://www.gov.scot/homelessstats