Edinburgh’s Plan to Move Homeless Residents Amid Licensing Issues
A Shift in Housing Strategy
Edinburgh Council plans a big shift in housing for the homeless. The council aims to stop unlicensed temporary housing. It may move some homeless people outside the city. This plan matters now as homeless numbers grow. Post-pandemic stress has left around 650 people in properties without HMO licences.
Background of the Crisis
Since Covid, demand for short-term housing in Edinburgh grew fast. The council used many hotel rooms and bed-and-breakfasts for shelter. Yet many places did not have proper HMO licences. Both the council and property owners now face legal risks. Officials say about 10% of these people might be moved outside Edinburgh by the end of November if better housing is not found.
Official Statements and Future Plans
Derek McGowan, who leads housing and homelessness work, said the council will keep shelter for all. He said, "I am confident we will find shelter for everyone involved." He added the council plans to use 70 houses from nearby areas. None of these homes are more than 50 miles from Edinburgh. For now, the council will use approved city homes and others that already meet the rules. McGowan stressed that if some people must leave the city, the move will be managed with care and they will return soon.
Legal and Financial Implications
The choice to use unlicensed housing came from the urgent need during Covid. This choice has now created legal problems for the council because the law requires HMO rules are met. The council will stop payments to unlicensed landlords by early December. It must do so since the law bans such payments to providers who do not meet the rules. The council set up inspections for safe housing and asked landlords to get licences. Still, about 30 landlords did not follow the rules. This result made the council seek other plans.
Current Measures to Combat the Crisis
To slow this crisis, the council has paused new social housing applications. It now looks to add more long-term homes. McGowan said that 174 empty properties are back in use. He added that 120 more may open soon if HMO licence requests are accepted. EdIndex, Edinburgh’s housing portal used by residents, stopped service for a while because many people asked for help. This pause makes the plan harder. The council is also testing a private method to manage the issue with unlicensed housing.
Impacts on the Homeless Community
The crisis feels urgent, especially during summer. Big events like Taylor Swift concerts fill hotels and force some homeless people to move out of the city for a short time. This challenge shows the council must work hard to support people while following the rules.
Conclusion
Edinburgh works through its homelessness crisis. Moving residents outside the city shows deeper housing issues. The council’s work to follow HMO rules is key to giving safe and legal homes to those at risk. As the issue grows, it is important that all parties work together to find solutions that keep people safe.
Sources:
- BBC News Scotland: Homeless could move from Edinburgh in licence plan
- City of Edinburgh Council
- EdIndex Housing Portal
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.
