CIH Scotland responds to latest homelessness statistics

Scottish Government has published the homelessness statistics update to 30 September 2024 showing evidence of growing pressure on homelessness services, with local councils unable to meet statutory duties. Key points include:

• 32,272 open homelessness cases at 30 September 2024, an increase of six per cent since the previous year.
• 20,823 homelessness applications recorded in the period April to September 2024, compared to 20,528 in 2023. This was a 1% increase.
• 17,424 households assessed as homeless in the period April to September 2024, compared to 16,788 in 2023, an increase of four per cent.
• 16,634 households in temporary accommodation (up 6.5 per cent) including 10,360 children (up five per cent).
• There were 7,545 instances of households not being offered temporary accommodation. This is considerably higher than the 2,000 in 2023.
• There was a 16% increase in the use of Bed & Breakfast temporary accommodation compared to 12% in 2023.

In response to the latest statistics, Ashley Campbell, policy and practice manager at CIH Scotland, said:

“Increasing costs and difficult financial circumstances have seen housing supply stagnate across the social and private sector. At the same time, many households are still struggling with the costs of essentials.

“We know that local authorities are working hard alongside housing associations and other partners to prevent homelessness and provide affordable homes for those who need them. We hope that provisions in the Housing Bill on domestic abuse and homelessness prevention can provide further tools to support struggling households in the future. But we also need to see decisive action now, underpinned by resources to tackle this worrying upward trend in homelessness.”