We are continuing to make steady progress in preventing homelessness, with fewer repeat cases and fewer children living in temporary accommodation.
The latest update on our Homelessness Action Plan shows homelessness applications have fallen for the second consecutive year, alongside progress in providing homes and support for people who need it.
Key progress includes:
- 138 new affordable homes completed, bringing the total supply to 5,254, alongside more than 550 empty homes brought back into use through the council’s empty homes work.
- 19 properties acquired through the Open Market Purchase Scheme, helping prevent homelessness.
- More than half of available council homes (54.55%) allocated to homeless households, alongside around 20% of available housing association homes.
- 70 people supported through Homes First, providing intensive housing support for people with complex needs. The Income Maximisation Service also generated around £22 million in additional benefits for tenants.
- Fewer families and children in temporary accommodation, with a 28% reduction in households with children or a pregnant woman, and a 25% fall in the number of children affected.
Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of Housing, said: “These are encouraging results and I want to recognise the hard work and commitment of our housing teams and partners in delivering them.
“Our approach is focused on people and communities, helping households access advice and support before they reach crisis point. Reducing the number of children living in temporary accommodation is particularly important.
“However, we know there are still significant challenges, including the shortage of affordable housing, growing support needs and financial pressures on households. We will continue working with our partners and communities to build on this progress, prevent homelessness wherever possible and help more people into settled homes.”
Plans are also being developed to prepare for new homelessness prevention duties under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, with a continued focus on early intervention, support and access to settled housing.