Falkirk homeless crisis as emergency response continues for 'at least' three months

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Emergency measures to help the homeless in Falkirk are to continue for at least the next three months as concerns were raised that numbers were still rising.

In October, temporary changes were made to the council's allocation policy, so that 70 per cent of all council homes currently go to people who are homeless, an increase from the usual 45 per cent.

But the problem shows no signs of getting any better - and there are now fears that with the cost of living crisis, more people will find themselves in rent arrears or unable to make mortgage payments.Members of Falkirk Council's executive were asked on Tuesday to keep the changes to allocations for at least the next three months.

It means that council tenants looking to move - or get a council house for the first time - are unlikely to be given a place.But councillors were told it was vital to help the area's most vulnerable applicants.Around 44 per cent of home seekers are fleeing domestic abuse, while half of them have a mental health condition and nearly 40 per cent a disability, a report to the executive revealed.It also showed that before the Covid-19 outbreak there were, on average, 308 home seekers - people who are classed as homeless - looking for housing.Falkirk Live brings you the latest headlines from Falkirk and beyond.But did you know all the ways you can stay informed with us?We share live news and exclusive scoops every day so make sure you're following us so we can keep you informed on all things Falkirk!However, that figure has more than doubled and there are now 754 urgent applications.