Homelessness in Scotland: update to 30 September 2019

Main Points

For the six-month period of 1 April to 30 September 2019:

Applications 

• There were 18,645 applications for homelessness assistance between 1 April and 30 September 2019. Although this was a decrease of 2% (370) compared with the same 6 month period in 2018, there was no change over the 12 month period. 
• In the year to end September 2019, Glasgow experienced the greatest increase in the number of applications from 5,274 to 5,873 (an increase of 599 or 11%). Perth & Kinross saw the biggest decrease from 1,025 to 780 (decrease of 245 or 24%). 

Assessments

• There were 18,725 assessments made between 1 April and 30 September 2019 with 15,542 (83%) being assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. Of these, 676 (4%) were considered intentionally homeless.

Temporary accommodation

As at 30 September 2019:

• There were 11,432 households in temporary accommodation, an increase of 477 households (4%) compared to last year. This is the highest figure since the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 were commenced in 2002. 
• 3,579 households in temporary accommodation had children or a pregnant member – an increase of 264 (8%) compared to 2018.
• There were 7,252 children in temporary accommodation, increasing by 426 children (6%) compared to the previous year.

For the six-month period of 1 April to 30 September 2019:

• A total of 10,945 unique households entered temporary accommodation and 11,315 exited temporary accommodation.
• The majority of households entering and exiting temporary accommodation were single person households (69% entering; 70% exiting), while a quarter (25% for both) contained children.
• Households spent an average of 178 days in temporary accommodation. The average was higher for households with children (212 days) compared to those without children (167 days).
• Of the 11,315 households which exited temporary accommodation: 2,295 (20%) had a total duration of 4 weeks or less; 5,085 (45%) had a total duration of 5 weeks to 6 months; 2,405 (21%) had a total duration of 7 to 12 months; and 1,525 (13%) were in temporary accommodation for a year or more. 

Breaches of the Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation Order) (Scotland)

• There were 190 breaches from 1 April to 30 September 2019 and 430 between 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019. The majority were in Edinburgh (125 & 295 breaches respectively), with breaches in a total of twelve authorities over the 12 month period. 

Outcomes

• Settled accommodation (predominantly permanent accommodation from social or private tenancies) was secured for 10,070 unintentionally homeless households. This is 81% of cases where contact was maintained and the outcome was known. 
• 9,825 households were assessed under the Housing Support regulations (74% of all closed cases). Of these, support was provided for 4,890 (50%) and found to not be required for 4,285 (44%).