The number of homeless people in Scotland has dropped by 5%, according to statistics published by Scotland's Chief Statistician.

Around 7,900 homelessness applications were received by Scottish councils between October and December 2014, 5% lower than the same period in 2013.

In addition to the fall in applications, the number assessed as homeless, or likely to become homeless within two months, fell by 1% to around 6,800.

Where contact was maintained, four out of five individuals assessed as unintentionally homeless went on to secure settled accommodation such as council housing, housing association or private lets.

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Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "Preventing people in Scotland from experiencing the misery of homelessness is a priority for the Scottish Government.

"We welcome these figures that show we are continuing to make significant progress to reduce homelessness in Scotland.

"Rather than only accepting a homelessness application councils are working with employability, mental health, money advice and family mediation services to prevent homelessness happening in the first place.

"The housing options approach, already backed by Scottish Government investment of £950,000 and a commitment of a further £150,000 for 2015/16, has helped local authorities embrace prevention of homelessness in recent years.

"We will carry on working closely with local authorities and their partners to prevent homelessness, increase the number of affordable homes and address the issue of empty homes, while looking to minimise the use of temporary accommodation."

(CD/JP)