Homelessness numbers in Perth and Kinross rise to highest total in four years, new Scottish Government figures reveal

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The number of people registering as homeless in Perth and Kinross has risen, new Scottish Government figures have revealed.However the local authority is among those leading the nation when it comes to helping those who have fallen on desperate times.The number of live homelessness cases in the region jumped up by 72 per cent - from 115 (2022) to 198 (2023).It marks the highest total in four years with 233 recorded in 2019.The figures - which cover up to March 31 - also highlight that 733 homelessness applications for assistance were made in 2022/23.It represents a 19 per cent increase over 12 months and the highest number for three years since 758 were recorded in 2019/20.The number of those assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness rose by 11 per cent from 528 to 585.The statistics also reveal that 30 children and 70 households are currently living in temporary accommodation.There are also five Ukrainians currently assessed as homeless in the region.If already homeless, or likely to become homeless within the next eight weeks, individuals can apply for help getting somewhere to live from the local council.This is known as making a homeless application.Nationally, there were 39,006 applications for homelessness assistance between 2022 and 2023 – higher than pre-pandemic levels (37,053 in 2019-20).However, Perth and Kinross Council has improved the lives of many with the its Housing Service continuing to deliver “sector-leading outcomes” for people experiencing homelessness in the region.PKC had the shortest length of stay in temporary accommodation in 2022/23 with an average of 71 days.The national average was 223 days.It is the leading authority for duration of homelessness, with an average of 78 days.The