Latest homelessness figures:

Homelessness not soaring – extent of hidden homelessness revealed as more Scots come forward for help

Commenting on the publication of the latest homelessness statistics, Policy Officer of Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH), Dr Andrew Waugh stated:

"We are not surprised by the rise in the number of applications to Local Authorities and this indicates more households are coming forward for help – the result of a greater package of rights for people who find themselves homeless. The figures are now giving a truer reflection of Scotland ’s real homelessness problem and people are coming forward who would not previously be entitled to any accommodation.

"The figures released today show that 50,917 households applied to their local authority in 2002/3, a 9% increase on the previous year. The number of households in temporary accommodation also increased to 5496 households – the result of a greater number of households being entitled to it.

"These figures are in line with our expectations and we would not be surprised to see further increases in the figures, as the true extent of Scotland ’s homelessness problem is uncovered."

––––––– ENDS –––––––

Notes

1. Scottish Council for Single Homeless (SCSH) is the national membership body for organisations and individuals tackling homelessness.
2. SCSH is a member of the Homelessness Monitoring Group led by the Scottish Executive.
3. The figures quoted in this release are taken from "Statistical Bulletin HSG/2003/5
   Operation of the Homeless Persons Legislation in Scotland : National and Local Authority Analyses 2002-03" which can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00271-07.asp