Edinburgh Council’s Controversial Plan to Temporarily Move Homeless Residents

Edinburgh Council plans to move some homeless people from the city for a short time. The move responds to the need for safe housing. The council stops the use of unlicensed temporary spots. The need grows as many people seek rooms after COVID-19 spread.

The Situation: Rising Demand and Unlicensed Accommodation

Since COVID-19 began, Edinburgh has seen more homelessness. The council filled many hotels and bed-and-breakfasts with people in need. About 650 homeless residents now live in these spots. These dwellings must have HMO licenses for long stays. Many do not have them. This error puts the council at risk for breaking rules on health and safety.

Derek McGowan, Service Director for Housing and Homelessness, said, "I would say I’m confident at the moment there will be a place for everyone affected by this to stay." He added that the council plans moves if new homes are not ready by November 30. The council has found around 70 extra properties in a 50-mile range. Most lie with neighboring councils.

Navigating Legal Obligations

The council chose more temporary spots during the worst days of the pandemic. Now, over 30 landlords have not secured the HMO licenses. The local authority must stop payments to these providers by early December. This stop will keep the council within legal rules and help protect vulnerable people.

To keep inside legal limits and be safe, the council halted new bids for social housing. The Edinburgh housing portal, EdIndex, now sits on hold. Homeless folks used the portal to request council homes. The council also halted upkeep of empty council houses until January 2025. This hold aims to free more housing for those in need.

Measures for Immediate Relief

The council has readied 174 empty council homes to use right away. The authority works on getting more HMO licenses. These licenses could free up around 120 extra rooms. While McGowan hopes the city finds enough housing soon, plans exist if people must move outside. “The plans exist if there is a need to use accommodation outwith the authority area… that would be on a short-term basis,” he said. His words show that the council wants to bring people back to Edinburgh quickly.

In May, the council already moved people out. This move helped overcome high demand for local hotel rooms during events like Taylor Swift concerts.

Conclusion

Edinburgh now faces two problems: growing homelessness and strict housing rules. The council’s plan to move residents raises both practical and moral questions. The steps show that the council follows housing laws, yet they may add stress to people in need. With the deadline near, local groups and community helpers will watch the council’s steps.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s approach is a hard step toward fixing the city’s housing issues. It works to care for homeless residents while keeping with the law.

For ongoing updates on housing matters in Edinburgh and insights on property matters, stay tuned to trusted sources in the housing field.

Related Information

• Edinburgh Council Housing Portal – EdIndex
• Housing in Scotland – Shelter
• BBC News – Edinburgh Housing Updates

As policy news moves ahead, both property buyers and those thinking about Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) must keep informed of housing rules and their effects on community life.

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.