Homelessness death toll in Scotland up by 40 per cent despite pledges to tackle crisis

dailyrecord.co.uk:

People sleeping rough in Scotland are dying in record numbers – despite pledges to tackle the housing crisis. Independent figures show the death toll among those without somewhere to live has risen by more than 40 per cent in the last year, from 158 to 206.

It comes after the Scottish Government acknowledged a housing emergency in May. Last night, Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson said: “People should not be dying with nowhere safe and permanent to call home but that is the grim reality of Scotland’s housing emergency. “Earlier this year, the Scottish Government declared a housing emergency but we’ve yet to see the kind of urgent, radical, response we need to end it. “If ministers are serious about tackling it then they need to address the chronic shortage of social homes, and make sure failing local homelessness services have the resources they need to do their job.” Sean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants Association, called for the Scottish and UK governments to work together to build social housing and renovate thousands of empty homes.

He added: “307 homeless men and women in Scotland have shamefully died deaths of despair, alone and isolated over the last three years.” Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and