Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “The latest statistics for 2024/25 show that, unacceptably, the number of people aged over 65 who submitted an application for homelessness in Scotland has risen to 1,195.
“This number has increased 34% over the five years since 2021/22, when 890 older people submitted an application for homelessness. Tragically, 55 of these older people have experienced rough sleeping in the past three months.
“Older people across Scotland tell us that they have significant housing issues, including unaffordable rent, low awareness of their rights as renters, and difficulty finding appropriate housing. Today’s figures are evidence that the housing system is not delivering for older people on low incomes.
“That’s why we’re calling on the Scottish Government to improve the situation for renters of all ages, including those in later life.
The current Housing Bill working its way through the Scottish Parliament will improve homelessness prevention and recent announcements on social housing are welcome. However, it’s clear we need further action to support older people, including making sure that Discretionary Housing Payments can be accessed to make up the rent shortfall faced by many low-income older renters.
“We also want to see the UK Government commit to uprating Local Housing Allowance every year, so older people, and all renters on a low income, aren’t forced to give up essentials in order to pay their rent.”
Supporting documents – Homelessness in Scotland: 2024-25 – gov.scot
