Official figures just released have said the number of applications for homelessness assistance during October to December 2013 has fallen.

According to Scotland's Chief Statistician, local authorities received around 8,000 applications within those three months, 10% lower than the same period in 2012.

In addition to the above, the number assessed as homeless, or likely to become homeless within two months, also fell by 14% to around 6,600. For those entitled to settled accommodation, around three quarters secured a local authority, housing association or private let as an outcome. This proportion has remained stable for the past six years, it was revealed.

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Elsewhere, by 31 December 2013, there were fewer than 10,000 households in temporary accommodation – the lowest number for five years. Of these households, less than a quarter were households with children, with just six households with children in bed and breakfast accommodation.

For the first time since 2005 when records started, there were no breaches of the Unsuitable Temporary Accommodation Order.

(JP)