Highest ever number of children in temporary accommodation

Scottish Liberal Democrat communities spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP has today called on the SNP/Green Government to take urgent action to combat homelessness across the country, after official figures published today showed there were almost 10,000 children in temporary accommodation in 2022-23, which is the highest ever figure since records began in 2002.  

Figures show that in 2022-23:  

• 9,595 children were in temporary accommodation in 2022-23. In 2007, when the SNP first came to power, it was 5,455.  
• 39,006 homelessness applications were recorded, an increase of 9%.
• As at 31st March 2023, there were 29,652 open homelessness applications and 15,039 households in temporary accommodation which are also the highest figures for these measures since records began in 2002.    

Mr Rennie said:  

“These figures are nothing short of heartbreaking. Both our governments should be utterly ashamed of themselves.    

“The Scottish and UK governments have presided over inaction after inaction. The SNP failed to build thousands of homes promised for social rent, while the Conservatives’ devastating cuts to social security have put people at greater risk of eviction and homelessness.  

“Ensuring that everyone has a place to call home is a basic responsibility of any government, and that’s why we need immediate action.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are absolutely focussed on preventing and supporting those at risk of being homeless. If the Scottish Government do not listen to these calls, we could see even bigger increases in those plunged into homelessness.”