COVID=increased homelessness

by EWAN LAMB

A newly published set of statistics shows the number of homeless households in the Scottish Borders in temporary accommodation in March of this year was at its highest level since 2008, and increased by eleven per cent from the 2021 figure.

However, the Scottish Government, which produced the data, believes the increases in homelessness and the spiralling number of days individuals and families are spending in temporary accommodation is at least partly attributable to the recent Covid pandemic.

The charts show there were 108 Borders households in temporary housing in 2022, up from 97 in 2021. The numbers for previous years indicate there were just six households being accommodated in 2003. But by 2008 the number had soared to 120.

The Borders recorded a 20 per cent increase (30 compared to 25 in 2021) for households with children or a pregnant woman in temporary accommodation. The comparable figures for 2003 and 2008 were nil and 30 respectively.

Also of concern: there were 50 Borders children affected by homelessness, 25 per cent more than the 2021 figure of 40.

The number of households entering temporary accommodation during 2021/22 totalled 204 while in 178 cases those involved were able to exit the temporary arrangements.

Average number of days spent in temporary residences (165) was the highest figure for many years. The averages for previous years were: 2017/18 137 days; 2018/19 152 days; 2019/20 135 days; and 2020/21 135 days.

Single people seeking help averaged 159 days in temporary accommodation while single parents spent an average of 215 days in properties provided by the local authority and housing associations. Borders couples stayed on average for 70 days in this type of accommodation.

There was also a significant increase in the average number of days from assessment to closure for applications assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. The Borders figure in 2021/22 was 168 days (2020/21 139 days). Back in 2002/3 each case took 37 days on average from assessment to closure.

A report from the Scottish Government which accompanies the national charts and tables explains: "Local authorities are reporting on-going effects of COVID-19 on homelessness service provision. In particular, many are experiencing high levels of backlogs due to both the increase in the number of households in temporary accommodation, and the extended periods households are staying in temporary accommodation. 

"There was an increase in the number of households and length of time in temporary accommodation over the pandemic due to local authorities being unable to close cases. This was a result of restrictions limiting the ability to move households into permanent accommodation, including difficulties in carrying out necessary repairs, challenges conducting viewings due to households shielding or self-isolating, and a lower level of lets due to staff, especially registered social landlords, being furloughed. 

"In addition, some households who had previously chosen not to take up temporary accommodation provided by the local authority, now required it as the alternative arrangements they had made were no longer viable due to the pandemic. These backlogs have more recently been further exacerbated by a shortage of tradespeople and building materials, as well as the increased cost of materials, both of which are limiting the ability to prepare properties for use (as settled and temporary accommodation), particularly between tenancies."