Evictions in Scotland down by a third

10 December 2010

Evictions by social landlords across Scotland have reduced by one third in the last year according to new analysis by Shelter Scotland.

In total, there were 2,204 evictions during 2009/2010 - 1,262 by local authorities and 942 by Registered Social Landlords [RSLs]. (1)

Over the last three years, since Shelter Scotland started publishing its annual analysis of the figures, evictions by social landlords have reduced by 38 percent.

Launching the 3rd annual report on evictions, the housing and homelessness charity says the figures are highly encouraging, with 20 out of 26 local authority landlords showing significant reductions.  At the same time, rent arrears also showed a reduction of nine [9] percent.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, says:

“It’s great news that evictions by social landlords are down by one third. We have been campaigning to make eviction the last resort for social landlords and these figures show that landlords are responding to our concerns.

“We congratulate those local authorities and RSLs who have made major progress in reducing evictions and urge those who are falling behind to look again at their policies and practices.  The Scottish Government also needs to quickly implement the new requirements all landlords must take before starting court action.

“Our analysis shows that progressive landlords are reducing evictions and arrears at the same time.  However, with 75,000 threats of eviction issued last year, too many social landlords are still using the threat of eviction as a rent collection tool rather than a real last resort.

”At a time when unemployment is rising and more people are struggling with household budgets, this report is clear evidence that by working with tenants, social landlords can ensure that eviction truly is a last resort.”

Ends/

Notes to Editors:

  1. Total evictions in 2008/09 were 3,297.  In 2009/10 total evictions were 2,204, representing a 33.2% [percent] drop.
  2. According to Scottish Government figures, 96% of the evictions carried out in 2009/10 by local authorities were for rent arrears, the remaining being largely for antisocial behaviour.  Figures from 2008/09 show that 93% of RSL evictions were for rent arrears.
  3. Council eviction figures from Scottish Government Housing Management Statistics 2010: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/09/27112110/9 and RSL figures from Scottish Housing Regulator RSL Annual Statistical return 2010: http://www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpages/shr_statisticstables2009-10.hcsp#TopOfPage
  4. Shelter Scotland 2009/2010 Evictions Report available at: http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/policy_library/policy_library_folder/evictions_by_social_landlords_in_scotland_2009-10
  5. Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity. Shelter Scotland believes that everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
  6. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.


 

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