There has been a significant drop in the number of people assessed as homeless in Scotland.

Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess has revealed official statistics which show there were 10,269 applications for homelessness assistance between July and September 2012.

The showed a 13% decline from 11,604 in the same period the previous year.

The government says this is due to the impact of homelessness prevention strategies adopted by councils which has resulted in closer partnership working between social work departments, health care professionals and the voluntary sector.

The figures also show a 5% drop in the number of households in temporary accommodation in comparison to 30 September 2011.

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The stats come just two weeks after a new law in Scotland which entitles all unintentionally homeless people to settled accommodation.

Housing and Welfare Minister, Margaret Burgess said: "It is difficult to imagine, or overstate the trauma that comes with losing the roof over your head.

"I’ve worked with many people in that situation and that is why there can be absolutely no complacency when it comes to tackling homelessness.

"This government is working hard to ensure that priority is given to prevention approaches – ensuring that as few people as possible get to the stage where they face this bleak prospect.

"Working together across the whole of the public and third sector is key to this and councils have done excellent work on prevention work to date. In December we announced that we are committing a further £300,000 over the next two years to enable local authorities to continue working together to ensure vital prevention activity continues.

"I am confident that by working together, Scotland can pave the way and set an example to the rest of the world when it comes to preventing homelessness."

(IT)