Increase in homelessness applications shows need for continued investment in affordable housing supply

Scottish local authorities received 18,486 applications for homelessness assistance during the six months between 1 April 2018 and 30 September 2018, 2% higher than the same period during 2017. This increase follows a period of decreasing numbers of applications from around 2010.

The figures also show that the number of households in temporary accommodation has increased by 0.5% and the number of children in temporary housing has increased by 4% to 6,826.

Commenting on the figures, CIH Scotland’s National Director Callum Chomczuk said:

“This rise in the number of homelessness applications is a worrying development and highlights the need for continued investment in the supply of affordable housing in this Parliament and beyond.

“The transition to a rapid rehousing approach is a welcome move towards helping to eradicate homelessness in Scotland but we must ensure that there are enough homes available to prevent people, and particularly children, from spending long periods in temporary accommodation.

“That is why we need the Scottish Government to commit to continued investment in housing and a stretching target so that everyone has a warm, safe, affordable home”

ENDS

Notes to Editors