Homelessness is getting worse latest statistics reveal

Commenting on today’s release of the annual homelessness statistics from the Scottish Government, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said:

"These statistics are shocking and should start alarm bells ringing in Holyrood that homelessness in Scotland is getting worse not better."

"Every 18 minutes a household was made homeless in Scotland last year with 34,972 homelessness applications – more than last year."

"For the fourth year in a row the number of homeless children living in temporary accommodation has risen – up 9% to 6,615. And people are having to stay longer in temporary accommodation with their lives in limbo."

Graeme Brown added:

"This is clear evidence that the good progress we have seen in recent years is now being reversed and bad housing and homelessness is blighting the lives of even more people in Scotland – robbing them of their health, security and a fair chance in life."

"We welcome the focus on homelessness in the last year from the Scottish Government but it is now time for urgent action from all areas of local and national government to work together better to tackle and prevent homelessness in Scotland. We need urgent action and resources now to start making a difference to all those facing or suffering homelessness."