​Regulator publishes findings on how well Glasgow deals with homelessness

Homeless people in Glasgow are waiting too long to be given a home and many spend too much time in temporary accommodation.

The findings were revealed in a report from the Scottish Housing Regulator into how effectively Glasgow City Council and registered social landlords (RSLs) work to secure homes for people who are homeless.

It shows that in 2016/17 the council secured homes for nearly 2,000 families, around half of those it had a duty to house. People spent on average 238 days in temporary accommodation.

According to Scottish Government findings, homelessness is a particular issue in Glasgow, where there is an unusually high number of homeless people with complex needs.

Michael Cameron, the regulator’s chief executive said: “Local authorities have a duty to provide homes to people who are homeless. RSLs have a duty to help them do that.

“The council is not housing enough people who are homeless quickly enough and it is not referring enough people to RSLs to meet housing need.

“Some RSLs make a good contribution to providing homes to people who are homeless, some have more to do.

“We expect the Council and its partners to respond positively to the recommendations in our report. The Council must improve urgently the services it provides for people who are homeless.”

Recommendations call on the council to streamline its approach to assessment and referral, especially for those who need only limited or no assistance beyond getting a home, and so move people who are homeless quickly into homes.

Its recommendations for RSLs include that governing bodies should oversee their performance to ensure this always complies with ministers’ guidance on housing people who are homeless.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said it has serious concerns that Glasgow City Council is too often failing to meet its legal duty to find suitable homes for homeless households and that too many people are being turned away from the services they have a legal right to.

“These unacceptable practices must stop now,” he said. "Radical and comprehensive action is needed to ensure homeless people get the services they need, are entitled to and deserve in Glasgow.

“We hope this report will force Glasgow City Council to sit up and take the meaningful action needed so that they meet their statutory duties for all homeless people in the city.”

A spokesman for Glasgow Council said: “We are pleased the report acknowledges the important improvements that are being made in Glasgow’s homelessness system.

“The report also identifies many areas of positive practice in Glasgow’s homelessness system and also the scale of the challenge faced by the city’s support services.

“As the regulator recognises, the council and its partners are working together more effectively to support those affected by homelessness."