Extra council duties behind Scots rise

The number of homeless households in temporary accommodation in Scotland rose 8 per cent in 2005-6, according to Scottish executive figures.

More than 8,000 applicant households, including 2,800 with children or pregnant women, were in temporary accommodation at 31 March 2006. Also, 11 councils reported that a total of 55 households were living in unsuitable accommodation, compared
with 32 on 31 December 2005.

The executive blamed the increase on a rise in applications and duties placed on councils since September 2002 to provide temporary accommodation and assistance to all households assessed as homeless. Before that they only had a duty to accommodate those assessed as in priority need.

Homelessness applications also rose by 4 per cent to almost 60,000 in 2005-6.

● Homeless Applications during 2005-6 in Scotland