In November 2024, the City of Edinburgh Council has set forth an urgent initiative to address the escalating issue of homelessness caused by the reliance on unlicensed temporary accommodations, specifically hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments. This decision is a direct response to the burgeoning demand for temporary housing, which has surged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The council’s action plan focuses on relocating over 700 households currently living in 28 properties that do not comply with licensing regulations stipulated for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) by the end of November
2024. As part of this plan, the emergency housing committee has instituted a pause on the allocation of new social housing and non-urgent repairs until they can transition individuals into appropriately licensed accommodation, thus ensuring compliance with housing standards and legal requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh Council plans to relocate over 700 homeless individuals from unlicensed hotels by November
2024. - The council will pause new social housing applications to focus resources on transitioning individuals into compliant accommodations.
- The increase in demand for temporary housing has significantly raised the number of households in such situations, highlighting a pressing need for licensed facilities.
Background of Temporary Accommodation in Edinburgh
The City of Edinburgh Council is taking significant steps to address the pressing issue of homelessness by planning to relocate hundreds of residents currently living in unlicensed temporary accommodations, including hotels and bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs), by the end of November
2024. This decision arose from a notable increase in demand for temporary housing services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to more than 700 households residing in 28 properties failing to meet the regulatory standards set for Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). The emergency housing committee convened by the council has decided to temporarily pause new applications for social housing and non-urgent repairs, redirecting efforts toward transitioning individuals from these non-compliant settings into properly licensed housing (City of Edinburgh Council, 2024). Previously, legal advisors cautioned the council about potential legal violations resulting from compensating operators of unlicensed premises that do not comply with health and safety regulations. These regulations are vital to ensure that landlords provide adequate living standards and facilities for tenants (Scottish Government, 2024).
To facilitate the transition, the council plans to complete the relocation process by December
2024. This strategy includes halting new council house allocations until January 2025, although exceptions will be made for disabled individuals or those awaiting hospital discharge. The aim is to reallocate resources effectively to prepare vacant properties for occupancy, ultimately addressing the growing homelessness issue in Edinburgh where the number of households in temporary accommodations increased from 3,570 in 2020 to over 5,000 in 2024 (Edinburgh City Council, 2024). It is critical to ensure that properties rented under the HMO category, defined as those accommodating three or more individuals from different households who share essential facilities, are compliant with licensing requirements, thus guaranteeing inhabitants a safe living environment (Housing Scotland, 2024).
This proactive approach by the council underscores the urgent need to prioritize welfare and safety for vulnerable populations while adhering to legal standards.
Council’s Action Plan and Future Implications
The council’s decision reflects a growing awareness of the legal and ethical obligations owed to homeless individuals and the broader community. By prioritising the transition from unlicensed accommodations to those that meet regulatory standards, the City of Edinburgh Council not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also sets a precedent for better housing practices moving forward. This action plan is expected to reassure stakeholders, including housing charities and advocacy groups, that the council is committed to the welfare of vulnerable populations in Edinburgh. Furthermore, local authorities across Scotland are likely to observe these developments closely, potentially influencing their own housing policies and practices. The focus on proper licensing and health standards in HMOs reinforces the necessity for landlords to maintain compliant living environments, crucial for fostering trust in local housing solutions and improving the overall standards of temporary housing across the region (Shelter Scotland, 2024). As the council moves towards implementing these changes, it will also engage with community groups to ensure that the voices of affected individuals are heard, promoting transparency and collaboration in the process.
