An FOI request revealed that the number of homelessness applications made in Stirling is the lowest it’s been since 2015/16, currently standing at 574.
This lower number comes as the private rent freeze and eviction moratorium are both set to expire at the end of the month.
The rent freeze was established in late 2022 to help regulate prices for tenants during the cost-of-living crisis. The eviction moratorium allows for a limited ban on the enforcement of evictions in Scotland.
The highest number of homelessness applications completed in Stirling was in 2019/20, at 716. In 2020/21, this then dropped to 615.
The leading cause of homelessness in Stirling in the last 10 years is individuals being asked to leave the household. The second prevailing reason is a violent or abusive conflict within the household, followed closely by a non-violent household dispute.
The least common reasons for homelessness include fleeing non-domestic violence, a forced division and sale of a matrimonial home, or an emergency – such as a flood or fire – damaging the house.
Despite the data showing a decrease, it is unlikely to capture all cases of homelessness.
On their website, Stirling Council states that they immediately provide emergency accommodation to those who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, and complete a homeless interview on the same day.
“Temporary emergency accommodation will usually be a bed and breakfast or similar. If you have somewhere to stay temporarily, we will offer you a homeless interview within three working days.”
While homelessness in Stirling decreased, Scotland has seen a spike in homelessness applications in the last few years.
In 2021/22, 35,759 individuals filled out homelessness applications all around Scotland; the following year, there was a 9 per cent increase to a staggering 39,006 homelessness applications.
In one of their publications, the Scottish Government states: “The number of applications and households assessed as homeless now exceed pre-pandemic figures.
“Between 2019-20 and 2020-21, there was a marked reduction in applications and households assessed as homeless, largely explained by changes in service use as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency COVID-19 legislation and a temporary ban on home repossessions.
“The increases over the last couple of years are likely due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, including the ceasing of emergency legislation, and the cost of living crisis.
“Some local authorities have noted increases from the private rented sector as a result of landlords selling or increasing rent. However, there was a notable decrease between the first and last six months of the year. This is likely due to the cost of living legislation that was introduced in October 2022.”
This begs the question: What will happen to the number of homelessness applications once the rent freeze and eviction moratorium expire?
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “Our Housing Options team provide tailored advice to students in respect of appropriate private rented and other student accommodation options available in Stirling. It also works in partnership with Stirling University and Forth Valley College to support students and prevent homelessness where this is possible, including referring to relevant specialist advice agencies.
“Stirling Council will proactively aim to prevent homelessness, wherever it is possible to do so, from the private rented sector.”
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