BREAKING: Scotland’s homelessness crisis has reached alarming levels, with a staggering 9,044 people reported homeless in Glasgow this New Year. Recent findings reveal that 3,329 children are among those in temporary accommodation, highlighting a dire situation that demands immediate attention.
Officials confirm that a new household becomes homeless every 15 minutes across Scotland, with Glasgow experiencing the highest rates of homelessness in the country. The situation is exacerbated by rising demand and cuts to funding and staffing in shelters, as revealed by a Sunday Mail investigation.
Michael O’Neill, deputy CEO at the Talbot Association, the largest provider of homeless accommodation in Glasgow, stated, “The beds are always full. Our emergency accommodation at Kingston House shows the trauma and mental health impacts of those who aren’t coping.” O’Neill’s remarks underscore the emotional toll faced by individuals and families in crisis.
Several homeless individuals shared their harrowing experiences, with Glasgow-born Nadeem Lal, 44, reflecting on his struggles: “I know my choices have brought me here. My addiction problems stemmed from abuse in childhood.” Another man expressed his preference for living on the streets over temporary accommodation, citing safety concerns and a hostile environment.
The crisis is not confined to Glasgow, as cities like Edinburgh, Dundee, Stirling, and Aberdeen are also grappling with similar issues. The latest figures indicate that across Scotland, a total of 53,720 people were assessed as homeless in 2024-25, including over 15,000 children. Authorities report a significant rise in applications for homelessness, with Dundee and Angus seeing nearly a fifth increase last year.
Housing campaigner Sean Clerkin described the situation as a “homelessness catastrophe,” criticizing Glasgow City Council for spending over £37 million on inadequate emergency accommodations. “This money could be better spent on building quality temporary housing,” he stated, echoing the frustrations of many advocates fighting for change.
Scottish Labour housing spokesman Mark Griffin condemned the situation, saying, “These heartbreaking figures lay bare the true human cost of the SNP’s housing emergency.” Griffin called attention to the thousands of families in Glasgow who spent Christmas without a home, labeling it a scandal that requires urgent action.
In a troubling twist, Glasgow is also dealing with an influx of asylum seekers needing housing, which the council attributes to government policies. As of November 19, there were 5,678 refugees in temporary accommodation in the city, further straining resources. Tory shadow housing secretary Meghan Gallacher criticized the SNP government for its handling of the crisis, emphasizing that the changes in local connection rules have exacerbated the situation.
A Glasgow City Council representative clarified, “People with no legal right to be in the country cannot access local authority support.” The spokesperson also noted the extreme pressure on housing availability, leading to increased reliance on bed and breakfast accommodations.
Last month, the number of homeless individuals living in temporary shelters surpassed 9,000 for the first time, with nearly 2,500 people placed in emergency hotels and hostels that have faced longstanding criticisms for being substandard. The figures reveal a troubling trend, with 3,081 breaches of the unsuitable accommodation order reported this year, indicating that many homeless individuals are enduring unsafe living conditions.
The urgency of this crisis cannot be overstated. With a growing number of individuals and families facing homelessness, immediate action is required from authorities and community organizations to address the root causes and provide sustainable solutions.
As this story develops, the public and policymakers alike must remain vigilant in supporting those affected and advocating for effective change. The situation in Glasgow serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive housing strategies to combat homelessness across Scotland and beyond.
