Scottish councils lack accommodation

Scottish councils are struggling to meet their new legal duty to
house all single homeless people because of a shortage of temporary
accommodation.

Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, councils are required to
house single people, previously regarded as “non-priority” and only
entitled to advice and assistance.

Research by Shelter reveals that 85 per cent of councils do not
believe they have enough accommodation to fulfil their new
duty.

The homelessness charity believes that the problem has been caused
by a funding shortfall. Shelter has also warned that the problem
will get worse unless the Scottish executive provides more money
for temporary housing in the short term and permanent houses long
term.

Head of campaigns at Shelter Scotland Gavin Corbett said: “If the
Scottish executive is serious about the new laws, they must listen
to local authorities’ concerns. They must provide guidance on
standards of accommodation.”