homelessness – Page 4 – The NEN

Shelter Scotland: More Children Living in Temporary Accommodation Than Ever Before

A record breaking (and heart-breaking – Ed.) 10,360 children are trapped in often unsuitable temporary accommodation, latest figures from the Scottish Government has revealed.

The number of children in temporary homes has risen for the 10th year* as figures detail the stark reality for thousands of families across Scotland. The statistics cover from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 – during which time the Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency.

It is a national scandal that 7,545 households have been stripped of their rights in only six months, as councils failed to offer a place to those requiring temporary accommodation, also known as gatekeeping.

While Shelter Scotland welcomes the Scottish Government reversing the cuts for housing, it must be clear that funding has returned to the same level as it was in 2022.

The latest figures show:

– 10,360 children living in temporary accommodation on 30 September 2024, an increase of 250 children compared to the previous six months. That’s an increase of 149% since 2014.
– 7,545 instances of failure to offer a place to a household requiring temporary accommodation, also known as
gatekeeping, between 1 April to 30 September 2024. This an increase of 277% in just 6 months or 3.8 x higher. In the 12-month period to September 2024 gatekeeping was at 13,500 recorded cases, a 541% increase compared to the year prior.
– 4,085 breaches of the Unsuitable Accommodation Order between 1 April and 30 September 2024 – a 11% increase compared to the previous six months.
– 16,634 households in temporary accommodation as of 30 September 2024 an increase from 16,330
– 32,272 live homeless cases as of 30 September 2024 an increase from 31,794.

Shelter Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government’s renewed housing budget to focus on reducing the number of children trapped in temporary accommodation, and to ensure local services are fully funded to ensure lifeline housing rights are upheld.

This comes at a time when wider cuts in the public services may push more people closer to the brink of homelessness.

Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said: “This is the harrowing reality of decades of under-investment in social housing. No child should have to experience homelessness, yet the numbers keep rising to a record-breaking amount and are now staying in temporary accommodation for longer.

“These figures show the direct consequence of the Scottish Government and local authorities failing to prioritise housing and the desperate need for more social homes.

“Everyone deserves the right to be in a safe and secure permanent home where children can thrive. We know children living in unsuitable temporary accommodation can have their mental and physical health detrimentally impacted.

“Children are paying the highest price for the politicians’ failures and the devastating reality of the housing emergency in Scotland. If the Scottish Government is serious about ending child poverty with their new budget, social homes need to be urgently delivered.

“The Scottish Government reversed the brutal cuts to housing, but it needs to acknowledge it brings us to the same amount of funding that we had in 2022. Since then, the number of people living in temporary homes has risen, people are trapped in the system for longer, the number of people rough sleeping has increased dramatically, and the cost of living has skyrocketed.

“The reversal alone will not be enough to end homelessness and there desperately needs to be a long-term plan from politicians, targeting money to the areas where it is most needed.

She added: “The way people are experiencing homelessness is changing with more people becoming homeless and faster than councils can close cases. The Scottish Government need to invest in the areas where applications are the highest. Services to support families at risk of homelessness also desperately need funding from local authorities.

“Children in Scotland forced to live in temporary homes don’t need excuses, they need action if the Scottish Government want to end child poverty in their next budget.”

See full report: https://www.gov.scot/publications/homelessness-in-scotland-update-to-30-september-2024/pages/main-findings-april-to-september-2024/

*Excluding pandemic periods of lockdown 2020-mid 2021

Homelessness+in+Scotland+update+to+30+September+2024 Download

Homelessness crisis places ‘unsustainable pressure’ on local authorities’ crumbling finances, says Westminster committee

‘there seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system, leaving local authorities attempting to save a sinking ship with little more than a leaky bucket’

Families face long stretches in unsuitable accommodation and the prospect of being relocated.
Dire need for housing sector reform and increase in the availability of affordable housing.

Record homelessness levels are placing local authorities’ finances under unsustainable pressure. In a report published today, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warns of an overreliance on the use of temporary accommodation, due in part to a dwindling and increasingly costly housing stock.

The PAC is calling for a clear strategy and stronger support for local authorities to address what has become a crisis situation.

Of the estimated £2.1bn spent by local authorities in 2023-24 on temporary accommodation, the report finds that a large proportion was used to meet the urgent need for immediate support, rather than the preventative measures so desperately needed.

Despite there being an overarching homelessness strategy for each of the devolved nations, England does not have one.

The report calls on Government to set out such a strategy, which should clearly outline how preventative measures will be incentivised. It also argues for an exemption from requirements on local connections or residency for all veterans, care leavers under 25 years, and victims of domestic abuse, as well as for competition between local authorities and the Home Office for temporary accommodation to be eliminated.

The report raises deep concerns around the number of families being housed outside their local area. This has risen to 39,000, a practice which alarmingly seems to be becoming increasingly common.

Equally alarming is the fact that 6,000 homeless families with children live in B&Bs, due to the lack of alternative accommodation. The report stresses the detrimental impact that living in this type of accommodation has on people’s lives; particularly children whose safety and wellbeing can be severely compromised as a result. Government should encourage better coordination between local authorities and set out how it will support them to reduce the use of B&Bs.

With 45% of households facing a shortfall between the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) they receive and the rent they pay, the PAC warns the Government is not considering the impact on homelessness when setting LHA rates.

The decisions made by Government to determine LHA are seemingly subjective. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of affordable housing, on which Government seems frustratingly unable to provide detailed assurances.

Further, poor oversight of the sector and gaps in current regulations are allowing is allowing landlords to provide costly, sub-standard housing with little support, supervision or care. The PAC urges Government to set out the logic behind LHA rates and details of the proposed new housing strategy along with strengthening its position to provide better oversight of the sector.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “My Committee is deeply concerned by the number of people currently being housed in sub-standard, overpriced and at times, wholly inappropriate accommodation, sometimes a long way from their previous home.

“A lack of affordable housing, a focus on short-term solutions and no clear strategy to tackle this issue have left us with thousands of families in deeply troubling circumstances.

“Worryingly there seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system, leaving local authorities attempting to save a sinking ship with a little more than a leaky bucket.

“Local authorities find themselves at breaking point as they haemorrhage funds to cover the rising costs of housing families in temporary accommodation.

“We are calling for an overarching strategy that addresses the need for better connectivity across Government departments to tackle the root causes of this crisis. Without one, we fear this will remain an issue into which money is simply poured, without effectively tackling the blight of homelessness.

“Government must learn from the lessons of the past to inform what they will do in the future.”

Blow for homeless community as Streetreads Library to close

Streetreads Library, a vital community space, based in Nicholson Square in Edinburgh, which serves 150-200 people experiencing homelessness every week, is facing closure after unexpectedly being served an eviction notice.

The well-used independent service, operated by Simon Community Scotland and solely reliant on donations and fundraising, provides not just books but a sense of belonging and hope to those who visit. It currently costs around £75,000 a year to run.

Fiona Williamson, Head of Service for Simon Community Scotland in Edinburgh, said: “We are devastated and deeply concerned about the impact this will have on people who use the library.

“Streetreads opened in 2021 and has grown exponentially alongside the people we support. There will be a huge gap in services and support while we seek new premises, as our appeal for more time to find an alternative site has sadly been declined.

“At very little cost, Streetreads creates immeasurable value for the city. Losing this space is not just a blow for the most vulnerable and isolated people in our city — it’s a setback for Edinburgh as a whole.”

Michelle, a regular visitor to the space, said: “Streetreads is more than a library— it’s a sanctuary. It’s the only place where I feel human.”

With up to 100 people rough sleeping in Edinburgh and over 5000 people living in homelessness accommodation, the need for safe spaces has never been greater.

Simon Community Scotland is urgently seeking a new location to ensure no one is left without this lifeline service.

The charity needs funds to help secure the right space that will meet the needs of the people being supported, including mental health support, creative writing and arts, educational opportunities, advice, community and hope, as well as the opportunity to find a quiet, warm, safe space to read, get a cup of tea and have a chat.

Lorraine McGrath, CEO for Simon Community Scotland, said: “The need for safe places, support and hope has never been greater.

“This eviction underscores the growing challenges facing people in Edinburgh who are increasingly at risk of homelessness and all the related harm and trauma. We need urgent support to find a new home for Streetreads. We have been advised that alternative premises are likely to add an additional £20,000 a year to running costs.”

Award-winning authors Ian Rankin and Michael Pederson have voiced their support for the charity.

Rebus creator Ian Rankin, said: “I’ve known and supported Streetreads from the very beginning and always enjoyed visiting the library and drop-in centre.

“I’m so hoping that suitable accommodation can be found for this crucial enterprise. Streetreads means the world to its many users.”

Michael Pedersen, writer in residence at The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate), said: “Streetreads Library is an incredible, crucial, and vital resource to Edinburgh and Scotland beyond.

“It’s refuge and salvation, it’s connection and inspiration, and so so much more. I’ve been awe-struck by the work they do, their warmth and innovation, and the enthusiasm their clients have for the space, its people and the facilities.

“Quite frankly, it’s invaluable. And all this from a library that’s only in its infancy (in the grand scheme of things). We need to be growing it, supporting it, championing it and celebrating it. It’s a model for others to learn from, to follow, but only if we rally behind them now and henceforth.

“What a formidable loss this location would be, a beacon of hope taken from the chest chamber of our capital city.”

Fiona Williamson added: “This isn’t just a library—it’s a lifeline. This is a chance for Edinburgh to show its spirit and solidarity. We’re asking landlords, businesses, and community members to help us to secure the right space which requires investment and funding.

“I am excited that together, we can ensure no one is left without the safety, opportunities, learning and hope that is provided by this vital service.”

If you can help, please contact Simon Community Scotland immediately via hello@simonscotland.org or visit www.simonscotland.org.

If you would like to donate please go to:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/streetreadslibrary

Council proud to recognise the Jobs First Programme

The Council is proud to recognise the work of Social Bite’s Jobs First programme through our parking contractor NSL (part of Marston Holdings).

We’re also sharing the inspiring story of Patrick who has benefitted from this programme and is now employed as a Parking Attendant here in Edinburgh.

Jobs First was established by Social Bite in October 2021 as a pathway for homelessness experienced individuals to employment – and in that time they have helped over 90 people.

The programme guarantees living wage employment for each person and provides wrap-around support for both the employer and employee.

Each Jobs First employee is allocated a support worker from Social Bite who assists them throughout the programme and their employment contract, meeting weekly initially to offer practical support on bills and forms, as well as emotional guidance and confidence building to adapt to working life.

Social Bite also provides training to each employer to help them appropriately guide the employee while the support worker will help facilitate appraisal processes and employee progress.

Today we’re sharing Patrick’s story to highlight how the programme has had a positive impact on his life and in turn added value to the services we provide to the people of Edinburgh.

A video on this is available on the Council’s Instagram account.

In October, the prestigious ‘Parking in the Community Award’ was also awarded to the Council, NSL and Social Bite at the British Parking Awards, recognising this important work.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Homelessness is one of the key challenges that we face in our city and I’m incredibly proud of the work that is ongoing between our services and Social Bite on the Jobs First programme.

“Behind every case of homelessness is an individual story and Patrick’s shows what can be achieved when the right support is in place. Gainful employment is about so much more than simply earning a wage. It’s a route to rebuild a life with confidence, social relationships and other transferrable skills.

“I’m hopeful that this relationship with Social Bite will continue for many years to come and that we can help more individuals like Patrick to overcome these difficulties and lessen the impact of homelessness in Edinburgh as much as we can.”

Emma Colgan-Blair, Social Bite’s Jobs First Programme Coordinator, said: “Over the past three years, Social Bite’s partnership with NSL and the City of Edinburgh Council through the Jobs First programme has helped people affected by homelessness build brighter futures.

“With a shared ethos of creating pathways to employment, together we’ve been able to support many individuals like Patrick to achieve financial stability, career growth, and personal transformation. This collaboration shows the life-changing impact of offering people from all walks of life the right support and opportunities.”

Keith Hanshaw, Group Managing Director of NSL, said: “Marston Holdings have been supporting Social Bite since 2022. We work closely with them in Edinburgh and across the UK to support those who have experienced homelessness through meaningful permanent employment opportunities.

“Social Bite were also voted internally to be one of our two Christmas reward sponsors. We have employed numerous people like Patrick and look to continue to do so for many years to come. We are really proud of the impact this makes on our local communities.”

A festive risotto with purpose

Forget bland winter meals. This season, a vibrant risotto is bringing local produce and community spirit to your plate, straight from the kitchens of Ten Hill Place Hotel. The secret ingredient? Vegetables sourced directly from charity Cyrenians’ weekly veg boxes, proving that great food starts with great connections.

Cyrenians operates an organic farm in West Lothian and all money raised from the sale of their organic produce goes directly to fund their work tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness.

Executive Chef Dominik Kawalec, a 26-year culinary veteran who traded his native Poland for Edinburgh’s food scene, and rising star Junior Sous Chef Morgan Dow have crafted a dish that’s more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of local agriculture.

Their candied beetroot risotto transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a winter warmer that packs serious flavour:

Ingredients

· 1 leek, finely chopped (for leek hay)

· 1 onion, finely chopped

· 2-3 cloves of garlic

· 1 cup risotto rice (Arborio recommended)

· 1 sprig each of thyme and rosemary

· ½ cup white wine

· 1-2 bay leaves

· Salt and pepper to taste

· 100g Parmesan cheese

· 2 tbsp cooking oil

· 4 cups vegetable stock

· Beetroots for pickling and puree

Preparation

Pickled Beetroots

Combine white wine vinegar, sugar, water, and black pepper
Pickle beetroots in this mixture to add a tangy dimension to the dish

Leek Hay

Julienne the leek
Deep fry until crispy, creating a delicate, crunchy garnish

Beetroot Puree

Roast red beetroots in tin foil
Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme
Blitz with apple juice, sugar, port, and red wine
Creates a rich, complex base for the risotto

Cooking Method

Fry onion and garlic until translucent
Add Arborio rice and deglaze with white wine
Gradually add vegetable stock, stirring continuously
When rice is nearly cooked, incorporate beetroot puree
Finish with pickled beetroots and crispy leek hay
Garnish with goat cheese and Parmesan

Every Wednesday, Cyrenians offers fresh, organic veg boxes for pickup at Café 1505, available in small and regular sizes through weekly or fortnightly subscriptions.

By choosing these veg boxes, you’re doing more than preparing a delicious meal—you’re supporting their important work to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness and connecting with the vibrant food ecosystem of Edinburgh.

Royal Bank of Scotland encourages customers to spread Christmas cheer in support of homelessness charity

Royal Bank of Scotland has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. Royal Bank of Scotland has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

Royal Bank of Scotland has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its NatWest site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of Royal Bank of Scotland for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful Royal Bank of Scotland customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

Social bite Christmas 2024 From left to right: Billy, Jim and Social Bite team member Ambreen

To find out more about Royal Bank of Scotland’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit:

https://personal.secure1.rbs.co.uk/app/MyRewards

Information on Social Bite’s Festival can be found: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/

Shelter Scotland calls for “immediate intervention” against City of Edinburgh Council after vote to strip homeless households of human rights

“Elected and unelected members have shown themselves to be incapable of following the rule of law“

Charity says it has “lost confidence” that the City of Edinburgh Council will uphold the rule of law and calls on Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Housing Regulator to intervene immediately – the first time the charity has called for special measures to be taken against a local authority
City Council acting unlawfully in use of unlicensed HMO accommodation to house some homeless households
City’s elected and unelected members voted in favour of suspending lifeline housing rights until March 2028, breaching housing laws they are charged with upholding
If the Scottish Government and SHR decide to intervene, it will be the first time that they have exercised the powers afforded to them to protect the housing rights of people experiencing homelessness

Scotland’s leading housing and homelessness charity has today (12 December) called on Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Housing Regulator to intervene against City of Edinburgh Council after the local authority voted in favour of stripping homeless households of their basic rights.

At a meeting of the city’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, councillors voted six to five in favour of proposals to strip people experiencing homelessness of their right to adequate housing through the provision of suitable temporary and permanent housing.

The vote follows confirmed cases of homeless households being placed in unlicensed HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupancy) properties as temporary accommodation – a criminal offence. (2)

In a letter to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Housing Regulator (3), the charity’s director Alison Watson warned that the Council’s plans are a concerted effort to undermine Scotland’s housing and homelessness rights system and that sanctions must be taken.

She states that: “We cannot stand by and watch efforts to strip people of their housing rights without putting up a fight on behalf of the most disenfranchised people in our communities. Law breaking on this scale cannot be normalised.”

The call comes following the Scottish Government’s reversal of cuts to the affordable homes budget last week after pressure from housing campaigners.

Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland said: “It should outrage everyone in Scotland that officers and elected members within a local authority have unilaterally decided to strip people in the capital of a fundamental human right.

“Edinburgh’s homelessness crisis is partly of the Council’s own making, but instead of showing compassion and seeking to help some of the most disenfranchised people in our society, they have chosen instead to punish them in this inhumane way by taking away hard-won rights.

“Shelter Scotland has lost confidence in the leadership of the City of Edinburgh Council to do the right thing and uphold the rule of law. The leadership has systematically failed homeless people for years and is now stripping them of their rights to cover up their own failures.

“I have written to the First Minister John Swinney MSP, urging him to use his powers to call in the council’s homelessness strategy for scrutiny. It is our belief that this will highlight that the current strategy is not only unfit for purpose and cannot guarantee the rights of people at risk of homelessness but is in fact in breach of the law.

“The Scottish Government must do more to fully fund local services through the upcoming budget. However, more money won’t work if the wrong decisions are being taken locally on how to spend it.

“I have also written to the Scottish Housing Regulator as recent assurances provided by the council leadership in their annual statement clearly do not hold up to scrutiny.

“Elected and unelected members have shown themselves to be incapable of following the rule of law. They must reverse the committee’s decision or else immediately step aside.”

Shelter Scotland is calling for the Regulator to consider its powers to use sanctions up to an including the appointment of new management in the housing department within the City of Edinburgh Council, under its powers contained in the Housing (Scotland) 2010 Act.

Under Scottish housing legislation, Scottish Ministers have the powers to call the City of Edinburgh Council’s homelessness strategy in for review, including its provision of temporary accommodation.

Alison Watson added: “Shelter Scotland has never called on the Regulator or Ministers to intervene in this way. We do not do so lightly. However, we will not stand by – and nor should the people of Scotland – and watch people’s rights be eroded without a fight.

“We cannot normalise law breaking on this scale. There must be consequences otherwise there can be no prospect that other rights will be protected, nor of the situation improving for the thousands of people in desperate need of a safe and secure home.”

There are currently around 5,250 households in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh. It is estimated that over a quarter (1,488) of these households are living in properties under an Unsuitable Accommodation Order.

Letters of Hope: Fort Kinnaird and Cyrenians call on local community to help spread festive cheer

Fort Kinnaird is calling on customers to help spread festive cheer in the community this Christmas.

The centre has teamed up with Cyrenians, an Edinburgh-based charity that tackles the causes and consequences of homelessness, to launch a ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, as part of the charity’s winter appeal to combat social isolation.

The local community are being asked to write their warm wishes in a Christmas card or letter and post without an envelope in its ‘Letters of Hope’ mailbox free of charge. The initiative will then see these heartfelt Christmas cards distributed to those at risk of homelessness in and around Edinburgh.

There will also be a contactless donation point where shoppers can tap to donate £3, £5 or £10 as well as a QR code displayed on the side of the post box where visitors will be able to tap to make donations and support the charity’s vital work in the city.

The initiative is part of Cyrenians’ Winter Appeal which launched earlier this week to support the charity’s services to stop homelessness in its tracks. The city is facing significant housing challenges, and the funds raised will help Cyrienians reach more people this winter, while providing a little light through initiatives like the Letters of Hope mailbox.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “While Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, we know that the winter months, and especially the festive season, can be challenging for those experiencing homelessness.

“It’s our visitors who make Christmas so special for us here at Fort Kinnaird, so we know we can count on them to spread some cheer to those who need it most.

“We hope our ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, and the fundraising support for Cyrenians, will help to bring a few more smiles over the seasonal period.”

Sophie Bell, Fundraising Manager at Cyrenians, said: “Winter is dark enough, so we are delighted to be partnering with Fort Kinnaird this season to bring a little light to those who need it most.

“Cyrenians works across the community to break the cycle of homelessness. With services across addiction recovery, family mediation, supported housing, food distribution and more, we will provide vital support to many people who are struggling this Christmas. Thanks to Fort Kinnaird and their customers, we can work to tackle homelessness together.”

Letters and cards can be posted into the special post box – located outside ODEON Cinema – from now until 20th December when they will be distributed by Cyrenians in plenty of time for Christmas.

For more information on Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

For more information on Cyrenians, please visit: https://cyrenians.scot/

Victory for campaigners as Housing (Scotland) Bill passes stage 1

Strengthening tenants’ rights and preventing homelessness

Legislation to strengthen tenants’ rights and prevent homelessness has passed stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to tackle poverty across Scotland by improving the renting experience for tenants, through a range of new rights and a system of rent controls, in a way that maintains investment.

The Bill will also place a stronger emphasis on homelessness prevention based on better coordination across services and providing support earlier.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The Housing (Scotland) Bill will play an important role in helping to tackle poverty by keeping rents affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes.

“Ensuring everyone has the right to a safe and stable home is essential to the Scottish Government’s priority of ending child poverty and the Bill will play a role in reaching that goal.

“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for homeless people. The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to create a rental system that improves the rights of tenants while maintaining investment and provides greater support for people threatened with homelessness.

“I am pleased Parliament has supported the general principles of the legislation, especially on our proposals for a system of rent controls that keep costs lower for tenants.”

Living Rent campaigners said: “Make no mistake this would not have happened without the work of Scotland’s tenants union.

“Right now we need to celebrate the vote bringing rent controls one step closer. But landlords are fighting hard and it’s clear there is a lot of work to be done.”

Charity brings its ‘Light the Way Home’ Christmas campaign to Edinburgh

Right There, a charity dedicated to preventing homelessness, is pledging to Light the Way Home this year for the thousands of people it supports, and those it will support in the future. The Light the Way Home campaign is visiting Edinburgh this week where staff and volunteers are spreading festive cheer in the Gyle Shopping Centre.

The campaign was launched earlier this month by Scottish children’s writer Angela Proctor, who joined children for a Christmas party at the charity’s Glasgow headquarters to kick off the festive campaign.

Angela Proctor has recently spoken out about her distress over the number of children and young people faced with or experiencing homelessness in Scotland.

Angela Proctor said: “As an author, I have visited hundreds of schools across Scotland, and I can see how austerity is affecting children.

“The worst affected are our most vulnerable children, those without a permanent home having to deal with the uncertainty, worry and anxiety that constantly moving ‘home’ causes.

“I have seen first-hand the impact this has on children who are trapped in the housing crisis cycle, moving from one temporary abode to another. It impacts on their development and mental health, potentially reducing their future prospects which is why we need to put an end to homelessness in all its forms.”

Figures for the last year show that 3,261 households are considered homeless or at threat of homelessness in Edinburgh, this is the second highest in Scotland, behind Glasgow.

Right There Chief Executive, Janet Haugh said: “For many, the essence of Christmas is found at home, where families and friends gather to celebrate, share meals, exchange gifts, and create cherished memories.

“In Edinburgh there are thousands of individuals for whom this joy is unattainable. Many lack a place to call home, or if they do, it is fraught with challenges such as family breakdowns, financial hardships, substance use, or mental health issues.

“What millions take for granted is a distant dream for tens of thousands, and this Christmas, countless adults, young people, and children will face the day with a heavy heart.”

The Light the Way Home campaign represents something different for each person affected by homelessness, for some it will be physical bricks and mortar, and others it will be a sense of stability and peace in their current environment.

Janet Haugh added: “By raising awareness of Right There’s programmes in Edinburgh, we hope to provide a sense of security and stability not only for those we support now, but for many more in the future, while at the same time spreading some joyful Christmas spirit ahead of the festive season.”

The campaign will be on the road throughout November and December to spread festive cheer and awareness of Right There’s work.