HOMELESSNESS applications across Scotland have decreased by 20 per cent compared to this time last year according to new figures released by the Scottish Government today.
Shelter Scotland, the leading housing and homelessness charity, welcomed the figures saying that the reduction is a major step in the right direction and shows that councils are adopting progressive and successful policies as they tackle head on the issue of homelessness.
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, says:
“A 20 per cent reduction in homeless applications compared to this time last year is great news and I congratulate the majority of local authorities across Scotland who have made huge progress on homelessness.
“This success should not blind us to the scale of Scotland’s ongoing housing crisis. Nearly 50,000 people still presented as homeless in the last 12 months so this progress needs to be a catalyst for even greater change.
“As evidenced in the Christie Report, local authorities should now focus on preventing homelessness while the Scottish Government should not delay implementation of the crucial housing support provisions passed by the Scottish Parliament last year.
“Only then will we see even greater progress to reduce homelessness and repeat homelessness.”
Graeme Brown added:
“The overall picture on homelessness is very encouraging, however, in terms of local authorities’ individual performances and the reasons behind some huge reductions, we need to dig a little deeper in order to build a clear picture across Scotland.”
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Notes to Editors:
Shelter Scotland provides expert support services, online advice and a free national helpline for everyone facing housing and homelessness difficulties. For advice and support visit http://scotland.shelter.org.uk or call 0808 800 4444.
Spokespeople are available for interview – call the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews.
Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterinscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie
Phone: 0844 515 2442
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
