The City of Edinburgh Council has announced a significant initiative to address the pressing issue of homelessness by relocating hundreds of families living in unlicensed temporary accommodations, with a target completion date set for the end of November
2024. This decision comes against the backdrop of increasing demands for housing that have escalated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the council to utilize various establishments, including hotels and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), as emergency housing solutions. Currently, there are over 700 households residing in 28 properties that fail to meet the licensing requirements for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). In a recent emergency housing committee meeting, councillors voted to temporarily halt new homeless housing applications and postpone non-urgent repairs, redirecting resources towards ensuring safe living environments for residents in unlicensed accommodations. Concerns were raised by legal advisors over the potential criminal implications of continuing to support these unlicensed properties, given serious violations of health and safety standards prescribed for licensed HMOs. To effectively manage the crisis, the council plans to freeze new applications for social housing until January 2025, distinguishing exceptions for individuals with disabilities or those requiring discharge from hospitals. This strategic response highlights the significant increase in Edinburgh’s homeless population, which has swelled from approximately 3,570 individuals in 2020 to over 5,000 in
2024. As landlords are required to acquire special licenses to rent out properties that serve multiple tenants with shared facilities, Edinburgh’s approach seeks to ensure compliance with safety standards and provide enhanced living conditions for its vulnerable residents.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh Council is set to relocate homeless families from unlicensed temporary housing by November
2024. - The decision is driven by rising housing demands and legal concerns regarding health and safety standards.
- A pause on new social housing applications will prioritize the relocation of residents from non-compliant accommodations.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Homelessness in Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh Council has announced a significant initiative aimed at addressing the growing homelessness crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a bid to improve living conditions for homeless individuals, the council has committed to relocating approximately 700 residents currently housed in unlicensed temporary accommodations, including hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, by the end of November
2024. This decision follows the observation that over 28 properties utilized for emergency housing do not meet the licensing standards for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), raising serious concerns about compliance with health and safety regulations (Edinburgh News, 2024).
During an emergency housing committee meeting, council members agreed to temporarily halt new homeless housing applications and defer non-urgent repairs to prioritize resources for relocating those living in unlicensed accommodations. Legal counsel has advised that the council’s continued engagement with these properties poses risks of legal liabilities, as operating without proper licensing is, in fact, a criminal offense (BBC News, 2024).
To streamline the relocation process, the council has decided to place a freeze on new social housing applications until January 2025, except for critical cases like those involving individuals with disabilities or those being discharged from hospitals. This strategic decision is a response to a spike in the homeless population in temporary accommodations, which has surged from 3,570 individuals in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2024 (The Scotsman, 2024). The implications of COVID-19 on the housing sector continue to resonate strongly within Edinburgh, necessitating urgent action to uphold the health and safety of vulnerable populations.
The Council’s Strategic Response to Unlicensed Accommodations
Additionally, the City of Edinburgh Council is exploring alternative solutions for the affected homeless population, such as partnering with local nonprofit organisations and private landlords to secure safe and compliant housing options. This cooperative approach aims to expedite the transition out of makeshift shelters and into permanent accommodations, thereby enhancing the overall wellbeing of the vulnerable individuals involved. Notably, the council’s decision to focus resources on addressing unlicensed housing stems from a wider commitment to upholding fair housing standards across the city. Local authorities are aware that an increased reliance on temporary and unregulated accommodations not only exposes individuals to inadequate living conditions but also undermines the integrity of the housing sector overall (Edinburgh Evening News, 2024). Furthermore, the ongoing discussions around a proposed amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 aim to enhance regulations governing HMOs, which could further support Edinburgh’s efforts to provide a sustainable long-term solution for its growing homeless population.
