Homeless Scots ex-soldier sleeping on streets after flat destroyed in fire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Former soldier Billy Kerr’s life went into a downward spiral after his flat was destroyed in a fire nine years ago.The result was a lost tenancy, a relationship breakdown and the denial of a right to housing benefit, which led him to sleep on the streets for months on end.Former Royal Scot Billy, 44, has spent many nights begging at the top of the stairs at Waverley Station on Princes Street, where the Record encountered him.He said: “I’ve sat here for so many days and my goal is usually to make £14, which can get me a room for the night.“There have been many nights when that doesn’t happen and I’ve had to make other plans – and that means sleeping on the street.”Billy’s first location for rough sleeping was the Old Calton cemetery, close to the Scottish Parliament.Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

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If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. He said: “I was deemed to have made myself homeless so got no help for six months.