242 homeless deaths in 2023

Responding to the news that an estimated 242 people died while homeless in Scotland in 2023, with the number of deaths attributed to drug misuse increasing to two fifths of total deaths, Scottish Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Paul McGarry said:

“These are extremely distressing figures.

“Over the past year, SNP ministers have chosen to remove funding for affordable housing, mental health and drug services. All of this makes it so much tougher for those experiencing homelessness to access the wraparound services they need.

“Too many lives are being cut short by this tragedy. That is why the government must do everything in their power to confront the housing emergency, repair essential services, get more houses built and give people a safe and secure home to call their own.”