Homeless charity warns of 'tragedy' ahead amid housing problems in Dumfries and Galloway

A homelessness charity warns that a housing crisis is “close to becoming a tragedy” as it emerged that there are 123 children in homeless accommodation in Dumfries and Galloway.
Shelter Scotland has declared a housing emergency and announced that there are currently 8,635 children trapped in temporary accommodation across the country.
The charity is raising awareness of the grave situation and even has a link front and centre on its website encouraging people to email the First Minister directly, asking her to do more to tackle the problem.
With 123 children included on homeless applications in this region in June this year – compared to 89 pre-pandemic – Stranraer and the Rhins Councillor Willie Scobie has been in regular contact with Shelter to try and find solutions.
Speaking at last week’s full council meeting, Councillor Scobie said: “The number of people presenting as homeless is really going through the roof.
“We’re really seeing a rise with families in homelessness, and the figure that Shelter has provided is that there’s some 8,635 children in homeless accommodation – and that’s rising.
“We’ve got our share of that with 123 children in homeless accommodation. That is not acceptable in today’s society.
“We have used hotels and bed and breakfasts as temporary accommodation. These are not suitable, there are no cooking facilities, or at least they don’t normally have that kind of facility.”
Councillor Scobie also shared details of correspondence he received from Shelter Scotland.
The organisation wrote: “The housing plan laid out by the First Minister does not go far enough to tackle the housing crisis.
“The housing emergency is close to becoming a tragedy, with the government’s own figures showing that homelessness is on the rise, with record numbers of children trapped in temporary accommodation, while social housing building is still slowing down.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council housing officers prepared a report for last week’s meeting which showed that the number of homeless applications this summer jumped by a third compared to last year.
This is primarily due to relationship break-ups, however a return to pre-Covid eviction rules and more private landlords selling their houses are also factors in more families being left without a roof over their head.
There have been 325 applications to Dumfries and Galloway Council for temporary homeless accommodation between April and June this year.
This is 82 more than the same period last year – and an increase of 33.7 percent.
Lochar Councillor Tracey Little, Provost of Dumfries and Nithsdale, said: “The rise in homeless presentations is really alarming. It’s equally worrying that we are struggling to access temporary and permanent accommodation to fill the growing demand.”
While councillors acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and that action needed to be taken, Councillor Scobie also suggested that a representation is made to the Scottish Government for more investment to provide more accommodation, including larger properties for homeless families. This was agreed.