Comment on latest homelessness statistics

Adam Lang, Head of Communications and Policy at Shelter Scotland, comments on the release of the latest homelessness statistics from the Scottish Government.

"These numbers show that on average last year a household in Scotland became homeless every 19 minutes.

"They also show a 16% rise in the number of children in temporary accommodation in Scotland who do not have a permanent place to call home, as well as a 10% increase in people saying they slept rough the night before making a homelessness application.“We know that families with children are spending longer and longer in temporary accommodation waiting for a home. This can be particularly detrimental to children’s health, life chances and education, as children without a settled home can miss up to 55 school days each year.

"We want to see a new National Homelessness Strategy in Scotland to ensure all aspects of local and national government work together better to tackle and prevent homelessness."