Homeless applications down by over a third in five years
Fewer people in Scotland are becoming homeless according to official statistics published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has welcomed the latest figures.
Scottish councils received around 9,100 applications for homelessness assistance during July to September 2014, three per cent lower than in the same period in 2013.
At 30 September 2014, there were just over 10,300 households in temporary accommodation – this figure was almost unchanged compared to one year earlier.
In addition to the fall in applications, the number assessed as homeless, or likely to become homeless within two months, fell by three per cent to around 7,400.
Where contact was maintained, four out of five individuals assessed as unintentionally homeless went on to secure settled accommodation such as council housing, housing association or private let, as an outcome. This proportion has remained stable for the past seven years.
In recent years, the focus has been on the housing options approach to homelessness prevention by local authorities and their partners.
Councils consider the range of housing options available to ensure the best outcomes for those that approach them for assistance. The Scottish Government supports this process by funding five regional housing options hubs.
Financial support is also provided to third sector organisations working to prevent homelessness, such as the recent awards made under the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme.
Since 2008/9, homeless applications have fallen by 36 per cent.
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “These latest statistics, which illustrate the continued falls in homelessness across Scotland, are to be welcomed. It is also encouraging that since 2008/9, homeless applications have fallen by 36 per cent.
“We are working closely with local authorities and their partners to prevent homelessness, increase the number of affordable homes and address the issue of empty homes.
“Councils have been developing services in which staff assist households to consider their range of housing options to address their housing needs in order to help prevent homelessness before it occurs.
“The Scottish Government’s Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme has also allowed third sector organisations, such as Age Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and Shelter Scotland, to develop projects that prevent homelessness.
“We are also investing over £1.7 billion to deliver 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament, working with local authorities to build record numbers of council houses and have abolished the Right to Buy to protect up to 15,500 social homes from sale over the next ten years.”
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