Last week, an article in the media and subsequent posts on social media channels, inaccurately reported details about how we prioritise and allocate council housing.
It is important that we address misinformation and set out the facts.
Status of those applying for council housing
- We cannot house asylum seekers. This is a matter managed by the Home Office, not the Council.
- People who have been assessed and granted ‘Leave to Remain’ status by the Home Office have legal rights to services including access to housing and other public services. They are afforded the same process, support and respect as every other applicant.
- It is entirely false to say people in this position have been prioritised for housing.
- We provide advice and assistance to any individual or household who declares themself homeless and this can, but does not always, include the provision of accommodation.
How we prioritise council housing
- To address the housing emergency in Edinburgh and to reduce the number of people staying in unsuitable temporary accommodation, we temporarily paused the letting of council homes and accelerated our work to bring empty council housing back into use.
- This has allowed us to prioritise temporary housing for people assessed as legally homeless and to reduce the number of people staying in unsuitable accommodation in accordance with Scottish and UK housing legislation. This does not mean that people in this position have a permanent council house.
