By Lucy Ashton
Jackie Baillie is demanding action from the SNP as new figures show homelessness in West Dunbartonshire rising by almost a quarter with figures increasing across Scotland.
New Homelessness in Scotland statistics published on Tuesday show a rise of three percent in the number of homeless people in Scotland between April to September 2021 compared to the same period in the previous year.
However, this includes stark spikes in a number of local authorities – almost a third of councils had increases of at least 10 percent, including a staggering 23 percent rise in West Dunbartonshire, the fifth highest rise recorded.
In April to September 2020, there were 448 households assessed as homeless in West Dunbartonshire and this had increased to 549 in the same period in 2021. This is a difference of 101 households and represents a 23 percent rise.
Jackie Baillie, pictured, warned that this could be the first signs of a “tidal wave” of homelessness following the pandemic, urging the SNP to act urgently.The Dumbarton constituency MSP, said: “These stark figures must be a wake-up call for the SNP, who have buried their heads in the sand for too long.
“West Dunbartonshire Council is already forecasting a rise in people requiring assistance from homeless services following the lifting of the temporary eviction ban.
“There is a real risk that this is just the start of the tidal wave of homelessness that we have been warned about, with the worst yet to come.
“There has been a shameful failure in leadership from the SNP, who scrapped protections for tenants, axed support far too early and are imposing swingeing cuts on councils.
“We cannot afford to waste any more time – the SNP must act urgently to support tenants and homeowners at risk of homelessness, and help councils provide the quality, permanent housing people need.”
This homeless persons’ flat in Dumbarton went on fire last year.