HSEU News: Homelessness Statistics show continued need for housing support

The homelessness statistics published today, covering the period from April 2023 to March 2024, demonstrate a significant and continued need for housing support services in Scotland.

Overall, the number of homeless households has risen 3% to 33,619 households. The proportion of households reporting at least one support need was 51%, which although is similar to the last few years, is a marked increase from the 33% reported in 2007-2008 when data collection began. The most common support needs identified were mental health problems, and basic housing management/ independent living skills.

All local authorities have a duty to conduct a housing support assessment for households who are assessed as homeless, where it has reason to believe that support would be beneficial. As in 2022-23, the most recent statistics show that in 22% of cases where there was a duty to assess, no assessment took place, and no support was provided. Furthermore, support was not provided for 5% of cases where a support need was identified.

Overall, housing support was provided in 38% of all cases. It is disappointing that the provision of housing support has not improved, given the significant number of people with identified support needs. Housing support has significant economic and social benefits to help people stay safe and well in their homes and maintain a tenancy after being homeless. Today’s homelessness statistics show that action must be taken to ensure that everyone in Scotland who needs it, is supported to live as independently as possible.

Housing support services are essential to enable some people to exercise their rights to obtain and keep a home, to live independently and to participate in the life of their community. While the new prevention duties proposed in the Housing Bill signal an opportunity to improve support for people experiencing homelessness, successful implementation of these duties will require effective partnership working between partners in housing, health and social care.