Level of homelessness falls in Scotland

The number of homeless people and those living in temporary accommodation has fallen in Scotland, according to official statistics.

The number of applications for homelessness assistance was 10,395 this year, a reduction of 13% when compared to the same period in 2011. Those living in temporary accommodation has also fallen by 6%.

Housing minister, Margaret Burgess, said: ‘These latest falls in homeless applications provide proof that measures to tackle and prevent homelessness are making a real difference.

‘The Scottish Government’s Housing Options Approach funding programme, backed by investment of approximately £650,000, has helped local authorities embrace prevention.’

The Homelessness target states that from the end of 2012 all unintentionally homeless people will be entitled to ‘settled accommodation’ and not just those termed as being in priority need. Eighteen council areas assessed 100% of homeless as priority, with a further seven council areas saying over 90% of homeless assessments were assessed as priority.