By Tony O’Reilly-
Concerns are mounting over the worsening crisis of homelessness in Scotland as government figures reveal alarming statistics and calls for urgent action reverberate across political circles.
According to recent data, the number of individuals seeking homelessness assistance after sleeping rough the night before surged to 888 between April and September last year, marking a significant 23% increase compared to the same period in 2020.
Moreover, applications from those who reported sleeping rough within the last three months rose by 20% to 1,408.
Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, expressed deep concern over the rise in rough sleeping, urging the Scottish Government to take decisive action through its upcoming housing Bill to address the escalating crisis.
The figures paint a grim picture, with 10,247 people applying for homelessness assistance during the specified period. Of these applicants, 26% stated they had been asked to leave their accommodation, while 19% cited disputes within their household as contributing factors.
Housing minister Paul McLennan described the statistics as “sobering,” emphasizing the significant challenges faced in tackling homelessness exacerbated by external factors such as the UK Government’s Local Housing Allowance freeze and budget cuts.
McLennan highlighted the Scottish Government’s commitment to combating homelessness, citing record funding of over £14 billion allocated to councils for the fiscal year 2024-25, including substantial investments to prevent homelessness and support housing initiatives.
However, criticism has been directed at the Scottish Government’s handling of the housing crisis, particularly regarding the allocation of resources and responsiveness to the escalating situation.
Scottish Conservative housing spokesman Miles Briggs lambasted the proposed near-£200 million cut to housing funding, warning that such reductions would exacerbate the dire circumstances faced by vulnerable individuals and families across Scotland.
The urgency of the situation has prompted calls for the declaration of a housing emergency, with pressure mounting on the government to take decisive action.
While the Government insists it is working closely with local authorities to increase housing supply and protect tenants’ rights, concerns linger over the adequacy of current measures to address the root causes of homelessness and provide sustainable solutions.
The looming housing crisis casts a shadow over deliberations in the vote by MSPa on the Scottish Government’s Budget the pressing need for coordinated efforts and meaningful interventions to mitigate the impact of homelessness on individuals and communities across Scotland.