At least 157 homeless Scots died last year, taking the total in just three years to 518. Campaigners have branded the situation a “national disgrace” and reversal of an £81 million funding cut.
Data on verified deaths for 2022 from the Museum of Homelessness suggest a 15 per cent drop compared to 2021, when Covid was rife. But campaigners have claimed that the figures are still out of control and a direct result of failure to provide affordable homes over many years.
The revelation of latest figures came as Sean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants Association, led a protest at a conference in Glasgow held by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations - which was costing £252 for delegates to attend. Clerkin said the latest death toll is caused by underfunding, which makes a sick contrast to the huge sums being paid just to take part in talks on homelessness.
