The level of homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway is higher than it was before the pandemic.
New government figures show nearly 500 households were deemed to be homeless or at risk of homelessness between April and September last year – up more than a quarter on 2021.
And it’s also higher than the same period in 2019, when the figure was 354.
The data also shows there were 660 homelessness applications to the council over the same period, with the increase the second highest in Scotland.
South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: “Too many people in our area are in crisis and local services are struggling to support them. Even one household without somewhere to live is one too many.
“The second largest rise in homelessness applications in Scotland was seen in Dumfries and Galloway, which is also a concern.
“More and more Scots are facing homelessness – this is a national emergency. The SNP-Green government have ignored one warning after another about this looming disaster, and now we are seeing the consequences.”
The Scottish Government figures, released this week, show that between April and September,
15,414 families were deemed to be homeless or at risk of homelessness, up from 14,586 the year before.
The Dumfries and Galloway sum for the period in 2022 was 488 households – a 28 per cent increase on the previous year’s figure of 382.
The data also shows there were 19,066 homelessness applications across Scotland over the period in 2022 – up from 17,992 in 2021.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the figure jumped up from 467 to 660 – an increase of 41 per cent.
This was the highest percentage increase across Scotland’s 32 local authorities and the second largest numerical increase behind Edinburgh. However, homelessness levels in the capital are still below pre-pandemic levels.
The report says local authorities believe the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has played a part in the increase.
And in Dumfries and Galloway there has been “an increase in private landlords serving notices with a view to selling their properties”.
The number of live homelessness applications with the council also rose from 329 to 479 by September 2022.
A total of 211 families were in temporary accommodation, up from 180 in 2021. 80 children were in temporary accommodation.
The report also shows that between April and September last year 320 households in Dumfries and Galloway entered temporary accommodation but only 255 left.
Housing Secretary, Shona Robison, said: “These statistics are unacceptable and concerning.
“The number of households, and particularly children, in temporary accommodation in some council areas is too high and we are firmly committed to reducing it.
“That is why we commissioned an action plan from experts in the sector to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation and the length of time spent there and the recommendations are expected shortly.
“We’re also providing local authorities with £30.5m for their work to prevent and respond to homelessness and they are making encouraging progress with the implementation of their rapid rehousing transition plans.”
