Scotland Faces Growing Housing Crisis as Homelessness Increases
Over the festive period in 2023, more than 17,000 children in Scotland found themselves homeless, according to figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats. This revelation paints a stark picture of Scotland’s housing crisis, highlighting a significant rise in homelessness applications across the country.
Alarming Statistics on Homelessness
The figures, sourced from the Scottish Government, reveal that on December 25, 2023, there were 30,557 live homelessness applications, affecting 35,361 adults and 17,002 children. This marked a troubling increase of over 2,000 applications compared to the previous year. The rise in homelessness has prompted urgent calls for action, especially as winter months exacerbate the plight of vulnerable individuals and families.
Scotland’s Housing Emergency
The crisis has not gone unnoticed. In May 2023, the Scottish Parliament officially declared a nationwide housing emergency, following similar declarations from various local councils throughout the country. Despite the ongoing issues, the Scottish Government has promised to address the crisis, with plans to boost the availability of affordable housing and reduce the need for temporary accommodations.
However, critics argue that more decisive action is needed, especially given the ongoing hardship faced by thousands of families.
The Toll on Children and Families
For many, homelessness is not just about losing a roof over their heads. The mental and physical health toll it takes on individuals, particularly children, is immense. Children raised in temporary or inadequate housing face developmental challenges that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
Paul McGarry, housing spokesperson for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, highlighted the devastating impact homelessness has on children. Having experienced homelessness himself at the age of 16, McGarry expressed his frustration with the Scottish National Party (SNP) government’s handling of the crisis. He criticized the lack of affordable housing, skyrocketing prices, and poor-quality housing as key factors exacerbating the problem.
Government’s Response
In response to these concerns, a Scottish Government spokesperson pointed to their past achievements, including the delivery of 135,000 affordable homes since 2007—47% more per head of population than in England and 73% more than in Wales. The spokesperson also stressed the government’s intention to ramp up housing delivery in the coming years.
The budget for affordable housing is set to increase to £768 million in 2024, with the goal of tackling the housing emergency and supporting the creation of an additional 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. Furthermore, £8 million will be allocated to local authorities next year to help implement their rapid rehousing transition plans. These plans aim to reduce reliance on temporary housing and provide more settled homes for those in need.
Moving Forward
The Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing individuals with stable housing before addressing other support needs, remains a key part of the strategy to combat homelessness in Scotland.
While the government has pledged further action, critics argue that significant improvements are still needed to ensure that every family can rely on a secure, affordable home. The increase in homelessness, particularly among children, highlights the urgency of addressing Scotland’s housing crisis before it deepens further.
