The amount of people living in hostel accomodation has risen since 2010, research has revealed
The use of hostels to house the homeless in Scotland has spiked in recent years, a study has revealed.
Research commissioned by Social Bite has shown that the number of homeless households who live in hostels has risen by 43% since 2010.
On an average night, more than 10,000 Scottish households will be living in temporary accomodation.
Almost a third of the households considered to be without permanent accommodation were living in hostels or B&Bs, with researchers recommending that action is needed to reduce the reliance on temporary accommodation and improve the standard provided.
The research was carried out at Heriot-Watt University for the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group (HARSAG).
The group’s chairman Jon Sparkes said: "Temporary accommodation is not a housing solution, it is an emergency measure which should only be used while permanent housing is sought.
"When it is used, there should be the necessary support available for each person, the quality should be of at least a minimum enforceable standard and where basic provisions are not met then people should not have to stay for more than seven days."
Social Bite co-founder Josh Littlejohn said that work to transform accommodation for the homeless is vital.
"If we are to work towards an end to homelessness, then we must transform the temporary accommodation system where many of our most vulnerable people are forced to live,” he said.
"We know all too well from our experience of working with homeless people that when someone lives in the 'homelessness system' of hostels and B&Bs for a significant period of time, they become increasing marginalised, stigmatised and mental health challenges can worsen."
Co-author Dr Beth Watts said: “Transforming temporary accommodation in Scotland requires a suite of measures that reduce the number of people who need temporary accommodation by preventing homelessness, increase the flow of people through temporary accommodation by ensuring they have access to the right support and appropriate move-on options, and focus on increasing the quality and suitability of the temporary accommodation that is used.”
Housing minister Kevin Stewart has said the research will play a key role in the government’s work to reduce homelessness.
He said: "I welcome the action group's 21 bold and visionary recommendations on how to transform the use of temporary accommodation so that the system works well for people.
"The recommendations will play a vital role in helping us meet our pledge to transform temporary accommodation and end homelessness, backed by our £50 million Ending Homelessness Together Fund.”
