In November 2024, the City of Edinburgh Council has taken a significant step to address the rising homelessness crisis by approving a plan to relocate hundreds of homeless residents from unlicensed hotels and bed and breakfasts. This plan has come into action amidst growing concerns over the welfare of individuals living in substandard conditions, as over 700 households were discovered to be residing in 28 properties that failed to meet the necessary licensing standards for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO).
The decision underscores the need for compliance with safety and quality regulations, which have become even more pressing post-Covid pandemic. Councillors have prioritised the urgent need to transition to licensed accommodations, leading to a temporary halt in new applications for social housing and the deferral of non-urgent repairs. Legal advisories had previously warned the council that funding non-compliant operators may invite legal repercussions, complicating their response to the homelessness crisis.
As the council redirects resources to make vacant properties available, it signifies a strategic shift aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations. However, the plan to stop new council housing allocations until January 2025, save for exceptional cases, raises questions about how this will impact those in immediate need. The rising number of households in temporary accommodations — which surged from approximately 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2024 — highlights the urgency of this issue.
In a landscape fraught with challenges, the Council’s efforts indicate a resolute commitment to uphold housing standards in Edinburgh, ensuring that all residents have access to safe and licensed living environments.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh Council is relocating over 700 homeless residents from unlicensed accommodations by the end of the month.
- The council’s plan involves prioritizing moves to licensed housing while halting new social housing applications temporarily.
- The number of households in temporary accommodations has risen sharply, increasing from approximately 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 in
2024.
Overview of the Current Homelessness Crisis
The ongoing homelessness crisis in Edinburgh has prompted significant policy shifts from the City Council, which recently approved a plan aimed at relocating more than 700 homeless individuals currently residing in unlicensed hotels and bed and breakfasts. This urgent initiative is a direct response to the sharp rise in homelessness in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting structural deficiencies within the temporary housing system. Presently, over 28 unlicensed properties are housing vulnerable households, leading the council to prioritize immediate action to transition these individuals to licensed accommodations before the end of November 2024 (City of Edinburgh Council, 2024).
Legal advisors warned that continuing financial support for non-compliant operators could expose the council to criminal liabilities, given that issued licenses are critical in ensuring that landlords meet essential standards for safety and living conditions. The council’s approach includes a temporary moratorium on new applications for social housing and the suspension of non-urgent repairs, allowing them to focus on redeploying resources towards rectifying these issues (Scottish Government, 2024).
Interestingly, the number of households relying on temporary accommodations has surged, escalating from about 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 as of late
2024. This trend underscores the necessity for systemic changes within the housing framework in Edinburgh, initially expanded to address public health requirements during the pandemic but failing to meet evolving housing standards (Shelter Scotland, 2024). As part of their commitment, the council has stated that any new social housing allocations will be limited until January 2025, except for cases involving individuals with disabilities or those transitioning from hospital care.
Council’s Strategic Shift to Licensed Accommodations
In response to these pressing challenges, the City of Edinburgh Council has launched an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of temporary housing for the city’s vulnerable populations. As part of the restructuring, the council plans to expedite the licensing of suitable housing options, ensuring all residents are accommodated in secure environments that adhere to the regulatory standards set forth for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO). This move not only addresses the immediate needs of those currently in unlicensed accommodations but also sets a precedent for future policies aiming to maintain higher standards within the housing sector (Edinburgh Evening News, 2024). Furthermore, local authorities are collaborating with community organizations to identify and address underlying issues contributing to homelessness, which will help to develop a more sustainable long-term strategy. By prioritizing compliance with licensing regulations, the council aims to create a safer and more stable living environment for those affected, which is particularly crucial as winter approaches and harsh weather conditions intensify (The Scotsman, 2024).
