Homelessness cost ‘set to rise’

Funding to cope with homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway is “inadequate” councillors have been told. They have been warned they face a 20% rise in the problem within the space of the next two years.

Councillor Tommy Holmes said the present funding package of about £650,000 would not meet demand. He was told that representations were already being made by the council to try to secure greater resources from the Scottish Executive.

“We will witness a 20% increase in homelessness across Dumfries and Galloway,” said Mr Holmes during discussions of a report on homeless strategy. “The funding that is presented in this report is totally inadequate in my view.”

Councillor George McBurnie said that the case for more cash was already being made. “Through Cosla we are making representations,” he said. “They are well aware of the situation and representations are being made.”