Scottish Executive Statistics: Operation of the Homelessness Persons Legislation

National and local authority analysis 2005/06

On Tuesday 26 September the Scottish Executive published the latest information on applications and assessments to local authorities under Scotland's Homeless Persons legislation.

Compared to 2004/05 there has been a 4% rise in the total number of homeless applications for all households in 2005/06. The rise in the number of applications is likely to be attributable to both better recording practices within LAs and people being more aware of their housing and homelessness rights. 

Although the number of applications assessed as homeless dropped from 41,229 in 2004/05 to 40,431in 2005/06 there were 4,300 applications which had not been assessed by LAs at the end of the recording period. Of those applications assessed as homeless, 75% (30,273) were in priority need (no change from 2004/05). There was a wide variation with the percentage of assessed applications for households deemed as being in priority need across LAs. For example, four LAs recorded greater than 80% while three LAs recorded less than 60%.

Encouragingly, of the 24,497 applications actioned by local authorities during 2005/06 which were in priority need, 72% were offered permanent accommodation (a rise of 13% compared to 2002/03) and 10% were offered temporary accommodation (a drop of 13% compared to 2002/03). Of the 8,619 assessed as homeless and not in priority need, 33% were offered temporary accommodation (a rise of 8% compared to 2002/03) and 10% permanent accommodation (a rise of 2% compared to 2002/03).

Of the 8,135 households placed in temporary accommodation (an increase of 8% compared to 7,539 in 31 March 2005), 42% were placed in B&B and hostel accommodation (a fall of 5% compared with 31 March 2005). Whilst the majority of households with children were placed in social sector accommodation (87%), it is still concerning that 6% were placed in B&B and hostel accommodation.

The statistical bulletin also included data on the implementation of the Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation) (Scotland) Order 2004 (the B&B regulations). It is concerning that there were 55 reported breaches of the Order at 31 March 2006 – although the highest number of breaches occurred on 30 September when 58 households were in breach.

This Scottish Executive statistical release can be accessed here.

Alternatively, for more information on homelessness statistics please contact Daniel Coote, SCSH Policy Officer, on 0131 2264382 or by email.