Edinburgh City Council is taking decisive action in response to the escalating homelessness crisis in the capital. With the number of families relying on temporary accommodation rising sharply post-Covid-19, the council is implementing a plan to relocate hundreds of homeless individuals currently residing in unlicensed bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and hotels. As of November 2024, over 700 households find themselves in 28 properties that fail to comply with licensing regulations, raising significant legal and ethical concerns. This urgent relocation effort aims to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families are provided with secure and safe housing ahead of the approaching winter months.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh City Council is prioritizing the relocation of homeless families from unlicensed accommodations by the end of November.
- Over 700 households currently reside in non-compliant properties, raising concerns about health and safety standards.
- The surge in temporary housing needs highlights the ongoing homelessness crisis in the city, increasing from 3,570 families in 2020 to over 5,000 in
2024.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Homelessness in Edinburgh
Edinburgh City Council has taken decisive action to address the alarming rise in homelessness exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Plans have been announced to relocate over 700 individuals currently housed in unlicensed bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and hotels before the end of November
2024. The influx of families seeking temporary accommodation has surged significantly since the pandemic, leading the council to utilize various B&Bs and hotel rooms for housing (Scottish Government, 2024).
The situation is complicated by the fact that currently, these 28 properties do not comply with the regulatory standards required for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). Legal advisors have cautioned that compensating operators of non-compliant lodgings may breach criminal law due to inadequate health and safety standards, which pose risks regarding proper living conditions and essential amenities like bathroom facilities (Edinburgh News, 2024).
To prioritize the immediate needs of the affected families, the council has agreed to pause new applications for social housing, alongside halting non-urgent repairs, enabling a more concentrated allocation of resources for the upcoming relocations. During an emergency housing committee meeting, counselors stressed the urgency of moving all individuals out of unauthorized accommodations by December
2024. This decision comes in response to a stark increase in demand, with temporary accommodation levels having escalated from 3,570 households in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2024, highlighting the persistent housing crisis facing Edinburgh (BBC News, 2024).
The council’s efforts are a crucial step toward addressing an escalating issue while ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards, ultimately aiming to improve the living conditions of those without stable housing.
Plans for Relocation and Compliance Challenges
This initiative aligns with Edinburgh City Council’s broader strategy to tackle homelessness amid the ongoing housing crisis that has intensified since the Covid-19 pandemic. The council’s commitment to relocating families from non-compliant accommodations underscores the urgent need to ensure that every individual has access to safe and legally sanctioned housing. Critics argue that the temporary measures taken during the pandemic have led to a reliance on unsuitable housing options, which is neither sustainable nor ethical (Scottish Housing News, 2024). Furthermore, the increase in temporary accommodation numbers illustrates a wider socio-economic problem, including rising rental prices and insufficient affordable housing developments across the city. Experts advocate that the council should also consider long-term solutions such as increasing the supply of social housing and investing in permanent supportive housing models to mitigate the crisis effectively (The Herald, 2024). Negotiations are ongoing between the council and local housing agencies to expedite the relocation process, with expectations to provide families with safe, adequate housing options swiftly. This approach not only aims to comply with the necessary legal requirements but also strives to restore dignity to those affected by homelessness in Edinburgh. The actions taken in the coming weeks will be a critical litmus test of the council’s responsiveness to one of its most pressing social challenges.
