In a significant move to address the ongoing homelessness crisis, the City of Edinburgh Council has announced it will urgently relocate residents from over 28 unlicensed bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs) and hotels to compliant housing options before a crucial deadline in December
2024. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, these accommodations have been utilized as temporary shelters for an increasing number of homeless individuals. However, a recent review highlighted that more than 700 households are currently housed in properties that do not meet the necessary licensing requirements for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO). This decision follows legal warnings regarding potential violations involving these unlicensed establishments, compelling the council to prioritize the health and safety of its residents by ensuring they are moved into legally compliant housing at the earliest opportunity.
Key Takeaways
- The Edinburgh Council must relocate over 700 homeless households from unlicensed B&Bs to compliant housing by early December.
- Temporary housing measures were implemented during the Covid pandemic leading to a surge in homelessness in Edinburgh.
- Legal warnings prompted the council to prioritize relocations over new social housing applications and repairs.
Overview of Edinburgh’s Homelessness Crisis
Edinburgh’s ongoing homelessness crisis has taken a concerning turn as the City of Edinburgh Council embarks on a critical initiative to relocate over 700 homeless individuals residing in unlicensed hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to compliant accommodations by the end of November
2024. This move comes in response to legal pressures highlighting potential criminal implications of housing residents in properties that fail to meet licensing standards as Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) (Edinburgh Evening News, 2024). The urgency to relocate arises from the council’s recognition of the vulnerability of these households, many of whom had been temporarily housed in such establishments since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary measures initially designed to safeguard residents and prevent the virus’s spread are now falling short of legal requirements, prompting the council to make substantial changes. In light of these developments, the council has announced the suspension of new social housing applications and non-urgent repairs to concentrate resources on this relocation effort, which is set to conclude by early December 2024 (Glasgow Times, 2024). Furthermore, inspections have been intensified to ensure safety compliance, but the pressure remains on landlords to adhere to the necessary regulations or face repercussions (The Scotsman, 2024). The rise in temporary accommodations has seen a sharp increase, from 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2024, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the city concerning housing stability and safety.
Steps for Relocation and Compliance Enforcement
As part of the relocation strategy, the City of Edinburgh Council is actively engaging with local homeless support organizations to facilitate smoother transitions for affected individuals and families. These groups will provide essential support services, including counselling and financial advice, to help residents adapt to their new housing situations (BBC News, 2024). The council has also outlined plans to increase the availability of compliant housing options in collaboration with private landlords and housing associations, aiming to enhance the overall standard and safety of accommodations within the city. With winter approaching, officials stress the urgency of this action, as many in temporary housing settings remain at risk of deteriorating living conditions if immediate compliance is not achieved (The Herald, 2024). In addition, the council’s commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis will involve revisiting previous policies to ensure sustainable long-term housing solutions beyond mere compliance, with an emphasis on providing supportive environments for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Please ask questions via WhatsApp, email, or direct messaging.
