Latest homelessness figures: A welcome drop in homeless applications but more Scots in temporary accommodation

Commenting on the publication of the latest homelessness statistics, the director of Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH), Robert Aldridge stated:

"We welcome the fall in the number of applications to Local Authorities but 11,138 applications during the quarter surveyed still represents a significant challenge to all those tackling homelessness.

The figures released today show that at the end of June 2000, there were 4089 households in temporary accommodation in Scotland . This is 2% more than the previous quarter and 5% more than the same period in the previous year. More Scots than ever are in temporary accommodation.

We have high hopes that the current Housing ( Scotland ) Bill will focus attention on the plight of so many Scots. There is a huge job to be done to reduce homelessness and get people out of temporary accommodation and into permanent homes."

Notes

• Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) is the national membership body for organisations and individuals tackling homelessness.
• Robert Aldridge is a member of the Homelessness Task Force led by the Scottish Executive.
• For further information contact SCSH.
• The Scottish Executive Press release is at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/news/2001/01/se0146.asp