Getting Behind the Statistics: Update for 2016-17

People who become homeless in Scotland have some of the strongest rights in the world. This report aims to consider the operation of these legislative rights through available statistics and identify what these may mean for policymaking.

Scottish Government annual statistics show that homeless applications in Scotland continue to decrease, but at a significantly slower pace than previous years. This suggests that while Housing Options, the preventative approach to homelessness adopted by local authorities, has had an impact in reducing homelessness during the early years of its implementation, it is unlikely to lead to further large reductions beyond those already seen. Ministers should now look to address the underlying drivers of homelessness.

Young people and single men continue to be over-represented in homelessness statistics, which poses a challenge considering recent welfare policy changes limiting the amount of help with housing costs these groups can access.

The private rented sector continues to be a significant source of homelessness in Scotland, with nearly 20% of homeless applicants living in the private rented sector immediately before applying as homeless, compared to 15% in 2011-12.

There is some evidence that the number of homeless households experiencing multiple and complex needs has grown in recent years, which may make it more difficult for local authorities to find sustainable solutions to meet their needs.

Temporary accommodation usage has risen since 2014, and people are spending longer in it before moving to settled accommodation. This can be linked to the lack of supply of permanent affordable homes.

Housing Options “approaches” and “activities” are decreasing compared to previous years. In 2016-17, there were around 50,120 “approaches” made and 50,125 “activities” undertaken. Both approach and activity numbers have dropped by 11% compared to the previous year.