Half of all properties allocated to homeless

A deal has been struck between Dumfries and Galloway Council and registered social landlords, who are in charge of affordable housing stock, whereby 50 per cent of all available properties are offered to people on the council’s huge homelessness list.
Nearly 700 cases of homeless people were sent to B&Bs in 2023/24 due to a lack of available properties.
Council housing officers have now come up with a series of steps to address the severe shortage of homes in the region, which includes repurposing other buildings across the region as houses, bringing more empty properties back into use, and fast-tracking the delivery of new build social homes.
Their draft action plan was signed off by councillors last week at the tackling poverty, inequalities, and housing sub committee.
Jamie Little, the council’s strategic housing and regeneration team leader, said: “Through the action plan, we have got agreements in place with registered social landlords around 50 percent of all allocations going to the homelessness service, which I think is something we really welcome.
“What’s going to be absolutely pivotal – as Councillor Scobie has mentioned there – is the provision of more homes aswell.
“And what can we do as a council to support the delivery of affordable homes through the strategic housing investment plan, particularly in areas like the west, where it is very challenging.”
While hundreds of individuals and families are tired and frustrated at living in temporary accommodation, Stranraer and the Rhins Councillor Willie Scobie highlighted how council employees are also under serious strain while trying to support people with limited options.
He said: “Our staff are under extreme pressure when they get a homeless person in front of them – and what they’re offering them is 75 miles away.
“It is difficult and that’s the pressure we’re putting our homeless officers under. They must feel the same frustration (at the lack of properties).
“And it’s not just this 75 miles distance, it’s also the use of bed and breakfasts.”
These issues were acknowledged by Rebecca Aldridge, council housing officer leading the homelessness section.
She said: “We’re trying to reduce costs in terms of ad-hoc temporary accommodation, and the majority of that is in Dumfries.
“And we do struggle (to offer housing) in the Stranraer area and various other areas.
“We’re working with registered social landlords to see what opportunities are available. That might be properties that are in the process of being regenerated into something else.
“We’ve discussed this at our housing meetings, and we’re looking to see what potential there is in that area of housing.
“It is an ongoing challenge. It is very difficult, as Councillor Scobie has highlighted, when you’re having to place someone outwith their preferred area.
“But we do endeavour to try and put people where they want to be – where there is availability.”