The Scottish Greens have hit out at new figures showing a rise in the number of children living in temporary accommodation.

Recent government statistics have revealed there were 6,581 children living in temporary homes on 30 September last year, an increased of 594 (10%) compared with 2016.

Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, Andy Wightman, said the situation is a "national disgrace".

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"While today's (23 January) figures indicate that the overall number of applications for homeless assistance has reduced in the last decade, there are signs that we are still a long way off from addressing homelessness.

"It is a national disgrace that Edinburgh has the largest increase of all councils in the number of children living in temporary accommodation – up 10 per cent in the last year. Temporary arrangements can often be inappropriate and can affect the health and wellbeing of children and families.

"It is time for a new approach to tackling homelessness and adopt the Housing First model that has proved successful in New York and Finland."

(LM)