Scottish Housing Market Review Q3 2024

9. Homelessness

There were 40,685 homelessness applications recorded in Scotland, in 2023-24, an increase of 4% compared 2022-23 (39,308) and of 18% (6,318) compared to 2019-20.

The number of households assessed as homeless was 33,619, an increase of 3% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year (32,531). The number of households in temporary accommodation as of 31 March 2024 was 16,330, an increase of 9% from 31 March 2023 (15,039).

Applications and assessments are at their highest since 2011-12, while the number of households living in temporary accommodation is at its highest since the time series began in 2002.

Proposals in the Housing (Scotland) Bill which relate to homelessness include an ‘ask and act’ duty on social landlords, health boards and the police to ask about a person’s housing situation and act to avoid them becoming homeless wherever possible; reform of provision for people threatened with homelessness up to six months ahead; and provisions for tenants experiencing domestic abuse.

Source: Scottish Government

Note: Homeless applications and assessments refer to the number over the financial year, while temporary accommodation figures refer to the number at the end of financial year.