Warning Over Homelessness Rate

Homelessness in Scotland set to increase as a result of welfare reform.

A new report published today by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) suggests that the cumulative impact of the 'bedroom tax', benefit sanctions and problems accessing financial assistance at times of crisis is likely to result in an increase in homelessness in Scotland.

The federation said that the research showed a number of concerning trends emerging in the wake of welfare reform. The report revealed that despite social landlords' best efforts, tenancy sustainment is becoming increasingly difficult because welfare reform is undermining housing associations’ ability to help both existing and new/prospective tenants to sustain tenancies.

Commenting on the launch of the report, SFHA Policy Manager David Ogilvie said:

"We are seriously concerned about how welfare reforms are impacting upon homeless households taking up new tenancies. It's abundantly clear that the odds of these households being able to secure and sustain a suitable tenancy are being increasingly stacked against them.

"Despite social landlords' best efforts to provide as much help as they can to new tenants - be that in terms of making sure tenants have the basic essentials or the right advice and support - our research shows that the cumulative impact of the 'bedroom tax', benefit sanctions and problems accessing financial assistance at times of crisis may drive up homelessness in Scotland.

"We would echo the words of the Welfare Reform Committee in its recently published report – we need a welfare system that is supportive, not punitive."

Fiona King, Campaign and Public Affairs Manager at Shelter Scotland, said:
 
"We share the SFHA's concerns on welfare reform and the impact it is having on some of the most vulnerable and low-paid people in our society.
 
"This is part of a wider crisis. Our research from earlier this year showed that 1 in 5 people in Scotland were worried that they may not be able to pay their rent or mortgage during 2014 and that 4 in 10 people wouldn't admit to family or friends they were struggling with their housing costs.
 
"The SFHA report confirms our initial fears that some aspects of welfare reform - such as the unfair bedroom tax - would be counter-productive and cause more problems than they solve, such as a potential increase in homelessness.
 
"Money is available to help tenants struggling to pay their rent and we urge social landlords to ensure that, where appropriate, tenants are helped to access discretionary housing payments. We also urge social landlords to support people in their tenancies for as long as possible and to consider eviction only as the last resort."
 
Tenants who are struggling to pay their rent and keep a roof over their head should seek help sooner rather than later.  Shelter Scotland's expert advice is available via a free national helpline - 0808 800 4444 - and on our website at shelterscotland.org.