Homelessness applications and the number assessed as homeless or likely to become homeless within two months both reduced during 2016/17, according to the latest homelessness statistics.

However, the figures also show that the number of households in temporary accommodation continues to increase.

Scottish Local Authorities received around 34,100 applications for homelessness assistance during 2016/17, 2% lower than in the same period in 2015/16. During the same period 34,267 assessments were made, 82% of which were assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness, this was the same proportion as in 2015/16.

Overall, there were 10,873 households in temporary accommodation as at 31 March 2017 – an increase of 330 households (+3%) compared with one year earlier. Over a quarter (3,250 households) included children or a pregnant member of the household - an increase of 367 households (+13%) since the same time last year. The number of children in temporary accommodation also increased, by 818 children (+16%) compared to the same time last year.

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With respect to Housing Options, local authorities received 50,120 approaches during 2016/17, a reduction of 5,985 (-11%) compared to the same period in 2015/16. The most common activities undertaken were providing general housing/tenancy advice and informing households of their rights under the homelessness legislation.

For approaches closed during 2016/17, 44% went on to make a homelessness application, 22% remained in their current accommodation and 16% found alternative accommodation. 18% had an unknown outcome or contact was lost. There is considerable variation in the mix of outcomes by Local Authority area, reflecting the locally developed nature of Housing Options policies.

The figures released today were produced in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

(MH)