Operation of the homeless persons legislation in Scotland: quarters ending 30 June and 30 September 2011 (including households in temporary accommodation at 31 December 2011)

Households in temporary accommodation

At 31 December 2011, there were 10,685 households in temporary accommodation who had been placed there either during their application or as the outcome of their application. This represents a decrease of 410 households (-4%) compared to one year earlier.

Between 31 December 2010 and 2011, 19 local authorities showed an increase and 13 showed a decrease in the number of households in temporary accommodation. Of those 19 local authorities where there was an increase, 8 showed an increase of over 10%; of those 13 local authorities where there was a decrease, 8 showed a decrease of over 10%.

At 31 December 2011, there were 3,364 households with children or pregnant women in temporary accommodation, a decrease of 516 households (-13%) since 31 December 2010.

As at 31 December 2011, 7,102 households in temporary accommodation were in local authority or housing association accommodation, with a further 1,310 in hostels and 1,041 in bed and breakfast accommodation. Compared to 31 December 2010, this represents a 2% decrease in the number of households in local authority or housing association temporary accommodation; a decrease of 2% in the number of households in hostels; and a decrease of 13% of the number of households in bed and breakfast accommodation.

The majority of households with children in temporary accommodation (87%) were provided with local authority or housing association accommodation. A minority - just 15 households with children - (less than 1%) were placed in bed and breakfast accommodation - the lowest number since recording began.

Implementation of the Unsuitable Accommodation Order

A total of 3 breaches of the Order were reported at 31 December 2011 - the lowest number on record. These breaches occurred in South Lanarkshire(1) and Fife(2).