Record Demand for Housing Assistance from Homeless Applicants

Scotland’s housing minister has expressed deep concern over newly released annual homelessness statistics, revealing that a record-breaking 10,110 children are living in homeless accommodation. The number of homeless applications has increased by 4%, reaching 40,685 applications, the highest since 2011-12.

The figures for 2023-24 show a worrying trend with 33,619 households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness, an increase of 3% compared to the previous year. At the end of March 2024, there were 31,870 live applications, an increase from the previous year, and 16,330 households in temporary accommodation, the highest in the time series.

Furthermore, the number of children in temporary accommodation has increased to 10,110, while the number of households reporting rough sleeping has also seen a rise. The average time spent in temporary accommodation was one day higher than the previous year, indicating a concerning trend.

Shelter Scotland has called out the failure of politicians to address the housing emergency, especially concerning children paying the highest price. The charity urged the First Minister to reverse housing cuts to end child poverty in Scotland.

Meanwhile, CIH Scotland highlighted the worrying escalation of the housing emergency, with rising homelessness, evictions, and a decline in affordable housing supply. They called for decisive leadership from the government and increased social housing investment.

Citizens Advice Scotland also stressed the need for a collaborative approach to tackle the rising number of homeless applications and demand for temporary accommodation. CAS provided data showing the extent of the housing emergency in Scotland and called for immediate action and increased funding for prevention services.

Cyrenians report on homelessness prevention

Cyrenians, a homelessness charity, emphasised the need for more investment in homelessness prevention as new figures revealed high costs associated with temporary accommodation. Research commissioned by Cyrenians showed that prevention is the most effective and cost-efficient way to address the housing emergency.

The report highlighted that investing in prevention costs significantly less than providing temporary accommodation and support. The chief executive of Cyrenians stressed the importance of tackling the root causes of homelessness and investing in prevention services to address the crisis.

Debbie Horne from Independent Age also raised concerns about the rise in older people facing homelessness, calling for urgent action from the government to improve support and rights for this vulnerable group.

Minister’s response

Housing minister Paul McLennan acknowledged the concerning figures and highlighted the importance of working together with partners to tackle the housing emergency. He outlined the government’s efforts to increase affordable housing supply, boost investment in housebuilding, and strengthen tenants’ rights.

The minister assured that the government is committed to preventing homelessness and providing affordable homes for those in need. Initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Supply budget increase and the Housing Bill aim to address the crisis and provide support to those at risk of homelessness.

Overall, the housing crisis in Scotland demands immediate action and collaboration at all levels to ensure that everyone has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.