Homelessness in Scotland predicted to soar by 2026 unless Holyrood and Westminster take action

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Homelessness levels in Scotland could rise by a third over the next two years unless action is taken now, a report has warned.The 2024 Scottish Homelessness Monitor – commissioned by charity Crisis – found the number of people sleeping rough, living in hostels or using unsuitable temporary accommodation would soar by 33 per cent unless both the UK and Scottish Governments intervene.It found the use of B&Bs as temporary accommodation across Scotland has grown by 124 per cent in the three years to March 2023.The number of children living in such circumstances rose 10 per cent in the last year alone, to 9,595, the highest level on record.But the report also found that the right policy interventions would significantly reduce homelessness.A comprehensive package of measures - including the UK Government raising the level of Housing Benefit - could reduce the worst forms by 56 per cent.The Record revealed last year how rough sleeping is already on the rise across Scotland.It comes after the Scottish Government announced it would slash its budget for housing this year.Crisis called for tougher prevention measures to stop people from being forced from their homes.The charity has urged the Scottish Government to allow people to get help up to six months before they are at risk of homelessness.It also wants new legal duties requiring public services to play a greater role in preventing homelessness.Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, said: “The risk of a significant rise in homelessness over the coming years should worry us all.“We can’t just sit back and watch as more people are forced onto the streets, to sleep in cars or garages, or spent months or years trapped in emergency accommodation that just isn’t fit for their