Rayner vows to tackle homelessness during visit to charity scheme in Edinburgh

By Paul Cargill, Reporter16th August 2024News ScotlandCharities, Edinburgh / Lothians, Government / Politics, Housing / Homelessness, News Scotland, Poverty / Austerity

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the new UK Labour Government will reduce homelessness across the country, during a visit to a housing scheme set up by a charity in Edinburgh.

The Labour MP was given a guided tour (pictured) of the Social Bite Village in Granton, including a look inside one of its Nest Houses, which have been occupied by almost 100 people who were previously homeless over the last six years.

Run in partnership with homeless charity Cyrenians and designed by Ecosystems Technologies, the Social Bite Village provides a supportive living environment for up to 20 people working towards leading independent lives.

Ms Rayner said: “The Social Bite Village is an amazing project that is helping people in Edinburgh who are dealing with homelessness, and building a solution to the problems with temporary accommodation

“As a Government, we will take action to build more social and affordable housing, give families a better route to a secure home, and get back on track to ending homelessness for good.”

Josh Littlejohn (pictured right), the founder of Social Bite, said: “The housing emergency is one of the most significant issues affecting the UK today, so we were delighted to welcome Angela Rayner to the Social Bite Village to discuss our pioneering approach to ending homelessness.

“The Deputy Prime Minister was keen to learn more about our supported community model and the innovative manufacturing process behind our Nest Houses, which gives people living in our villages a welcoming space in which to make a fresh start.”

Plans are currently being developed for a new Social Bite Village in South Lanarkshire, due to open summer 2025, and a Recovery Village in Dundee, scheduled to open early 2026.