New figures have revealed a 24% increase in evictions across the social housing sector in Scotland.

In its 'Evictions by Social Landlords in Scotland 2012 – 2016' report, housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland said evictions where families are involved "should ring alarm bells" about councils and registered social landlords (RSLs) failing to adhere to Scottish Government guidance to act in the best interests of children facing homelessness.

The charity has now called on the Scottish Government to review how legal duties for landlords to carry out pre-action requirements before seeking eviction for rent arrears are working. In addition, it called on all social landlords to stop using the threat of eviction for tenants in rent arrears.

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Alison Watson, deputy director of Shelter Scotland, said: "These figures are extremely disappointing and should raise alarm bells about the way local authorities may be treating some of their most vulnerable and struggling tenants.

"Shelter Scotland has been campaigning for many years for a reduction in the number of eviction actions over rent arrears in the social rented sector. We strongly believe that forcing someone to leave their home should only ever be an absolute last resort.

"We believe these figures on social landlord evictions show that a fundamental shift is needed in how rent arrears are managed. Tenants must always prioritise and take responsibility for paying their rent, but eviction is a very crude and inefficient way of dealing with rent arrears of tenants who often struggle with complex social and financial issues."

To view the report, visit here.

(LM/MH)