Homelessness in Scotland decreases

Homelessness applications and the number assessed as homeless both reduced during 2015/16 according to a publication today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

The Homelessness and Housing Options Statistics also show:

• A 4% reduction in homelessness applications during 2015/16 compared to the previous year
• 28,000 cases assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness, 5% lower than the previous year
• Households in temporary accommodation remained unchanged though there was a rise in the number of children in temporary accommodation

The Housing Options (PREVENT1) statistics in Scotland were also published today. These statistics are being published as experimental statistics in order to involve users and stakeholders in their development and as a means to build in quality at an early stage.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“We are doing everything we can to make sure everyone has access to a warm and safe place to stay, and I welcome the decrease in the number of homeless applications and households being assessed as homeless.

“It is, however, our aim to stop people becoming homeless in the first place which is much better for our people and our communities, and of course our homelessness services.

“While there are many reasons for families staying in temporary accommodation, I am disappointed in the increase in the number of children in temporary accommodation. Although the majority of temporary accommodation is good quality, well managed social housing which is of the exact same standard as permanent accommodation, I am keen to see these numbers decrease and people to have a settled home.

“I will therefore continue the work of my predecessor in this area, who wrote to all Local Authorities who were experiencing increases and outlined the government’s concerns.

“We must address the various reasons for families staying in temporary accommodation and I will continue to work together with local authorities and partners in the best interests of all households looking for permanent accommodation.”