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In a decisive move to tackle the growing homelessness crisis in the city, the City of Edinburgh Council announced an initiative to relocate hundreds of individuals currently housed in unlicensed temporary accommodations, such as hotels and guesthouses, by the end of November
2024. This plan emerges against the backdrop of a sharp increase in homelessness, with figures rising from 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2023, largely due to the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic (Edinburgh City Council, 2024). This article explores the current state of homelessness in Edinburgh alongside the council’s strategic action plan and compliance measures aimed at addressing this pressing issue.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh Council aims to relocate over 700 homeless individuals from unlicensed accommodations by year-end.
- The homeless population in Edinburgh has increased significantly, rising from 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 in
2023. - The council is prioritizing compliance with health and safety regulations while addressing the housing crisis.
Current State of Homelessness in Edinburgh
In November 2024, the City of Edinburgh Council has initiated a vital plan to relocate hundreds of homeless individuals residing in unlicensed temporary accommodations, primarily hotels and B&Bs, by the month’s end. This response addresses the alarming increase in the homeless population, which has surged from 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2023, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (Edinburgh Evening News, 2024). Currently, more than 700 households are situated in 28 properties that fail to meet the licensing standards for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO), prompting significant legal and ethical concerns about health and safety violations (The Scotsman, 2024). The council will temporarily halt new applications for social housing and non-urgent repairs to prioritize the transition of families from these unlicensed HMOs to suitable accommodations. The emergency housing committee has stressed the urgency of the situation, with the goal of moving all individuals from these unlawful accommodations by December
2024. The council aims to redirect resources to ensure that vacant properties are utilized effectively for proper housing solutions, following the initial decision made during the early stages of the pandemic to increase temporary housing options (BBC News, 2024). This strategic shift reflects a commitment to aligning housing provisions with health and safety standards while responding to the pressing needs of the community.
Council’s Action Plan and Compliance Measures
In light of the ongoing housing crisis, the City of Edinburgh Council is making a concerted effort to reinforce housing standards and ensure compliance across temporary housing options. The council has recently faced scrutiny over its continuous financial support to operators of unlicensed accommodations, which do not conform to the necessary health and safety regulations. With over 700 families still housed in these non-compliant properties, the council’s move to effectively prioritize the enforcement of licensing standards is critical (Scottish Government, 2024). The decision to transition families to proper housing, including the pausing of new social housing applications, indicates a shift towards long-term stability rather than temporary solutions, which has been a theme in the council’s policy adjustments since the pandemic began (Edinburgh Live, 2024). Furthermore, the council’s emergency housing committee is exploring partnerships with local charities and housing associations to expedite the relocation process and ensure that families are not left in limbo while awaiting suitable housing alternatives (The Courier, 2024). This proactive approach aims not only at addressing immediate accommodation needs but also at fostering sustainable housing solutions to mitigate the risk of homelessness in the future.
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