Council Plans Potential Relocation of Homeless People from Edinburgh

Overview of the Situation

Edinburgh Council may move some homeless people to areas outside the city. The council made this plan because the current shelters lack the proper HMO license. Right now, about 650 homeless people stay in hotels and bed-and-breakfasts that do not meet the HMO rules. The need for more housing grew after the Covid-19 pandemic increased the number of people seeking shelter.

Temporary Accommodation Under Scrutiny

When the pandemic began, the council used hotels and B&Bs to shelter people on an emergency basis. This move was needed for public health and safety. Many of these places are not meant for long-term shelter. Derek McGowan, Service Director for Housing and Homelessness, said that if enough safe spots are not found by the end of November, about 10% of those in these shelters may need to move outside Edinburgh. He added that he is sure there will be a spot for everyone soon. The council works hard to ease the housing crisis.

External Housing Solutions Offered

Edinburgh has received offers for nearly 70 properties from councils in nearby areas. All of these places are within 50 miles of Edinburgh. McGowan explained that he does not expect to use these spaces now, but the council is set with back-up plans. Any move out of the city will be short. The goal is to bring people back to local homes as soon as possible.

Legal Implications and Council Response

Using temporary rooms without proper licensing brings difficult legal and moral problems. The council pays for sites that do not follow HMO rules. This practice may break local policies and safety standards. Council officials plan to stop funding these unlicensed sites by early December. At the same time, the council has paused new social housing applications. The Edinburgh website EdIndex is on hold because the system faces heavy demand. Non-essential repairs have also been delayed until January so that more funds can go to bringing vacant homes into use.

Progress and Future Considerations

The council has made progress by freeing up some council homes. Recently, 174 vacant council homes were made available. They expect about 120 more spaces if pending HMO licenses are approved. The council is also searching for other safe ways to fix the issue of unlicensed accommodations. Recent events, such as the many visitors for Taylor Swift concerts, have added pressure to the city’s housing plans. As more people seek shelter during busy times, those in need risk losing secure places to stay.

Conclusion

Edinburgh Council works in a complex space that mixes the need for safe, short-term housing with strict legal rules. Moving some people outside the city shows one of the tough choices they face while they seek safe shelter options. As the situation grows, everyone in the housing field must stay alert. The council continues its work to list and use local homes so that the safety and well-being of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people can stay strong.

Sources

• Andrew Picken, BBC News Scotland. (2024). Homeless could move from unlawful B&Bs and hotels. BBC
• City of Edinburgh Council. (2024). Addressing Homelessness in Edinburgh
• EdIndex. Edinburgh Housing Portal

This article gives a clear look into Edinburgh’s current housing challenges and the steps taken to keep shelter safe and legal for those in need.

Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.