HOMELESSNESS in Glasgow increased last year with hundreds more applications.

Latest figures published today show a rise of more than 400 homeless applications to the city council in 2018/19.

The increase of 8% means that there were around 5700 applications as homeless in the city last year, up from around 5300 the previous year.

Across Scotland there was a total of 36,465 homelessness applications, an increase of 892 (3%).

Hundreds had slept rough before they applied as homeless. In Glasgow around 400 of those who applied had reported rough sleeping the night before applying as homeless, 7% of the total.

Across Scotland the demographics of homelessness has not changed much with most homeless applicant single younger white Scottish males.

Earlier this year the council and health boards Integrated Joint Board sparked anger as it axed £1.6m from organisations that provide support services for homeless people.

However, it said it was part of a move to a new model of provision.

Housing First is the biggest single change in tackling homelessness among those most in need in recent years.

In Glasgow Housing First has started with 50 tenancies available in a deal with charity Social Bite and housing provider Wheatley Group.

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, City Convener for Health and Social Care, said: “Glasgow is committed to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership officials have volunteered to work with the Scottish Government to review data and methods of recording to ensure there is consistency across the country.  It appears that Glasgow is currently taking a significantly broader and more comprehensive approach to data collection than other local authorities.  

“Glasgow also continues to invest millions in Rapid Re-Housing, including a commitment to the Housing First model, and has worked closely to support the third sector led multi-agency, city centre hub offering services to adults with multiple complex needs. Preventing homelessness and improving our service remains a core priority for the city council.

“The scale of the challenge in the city is exacerbated by the impact of the UK Government’s Universal Credit and welfare reforms, which the UN has noted has had ‘tragic consequences’.”

Kevin Stewart, Housing Minister, said it is unacceptable that anyone finds themselves without a home.

He said: “There are multiple, complex reasons why people sleep rough – many have experienced drug or alcohol addiction problems or suffer from poor mental health and require specialist support, in addition to a home, to tackle these issues.

“We are investing in the Housing First Programme because we recognise a permanent home as the best, stable platform to address needs and build a life.”