Homeless syffer poor standard accomodation and have freedom restricted

A seven-day limit should be imposed on the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation for homeless people.

In a survey conducted by Crisis, it was discovered that homeless people were having undue restrictions placed on them in temporary lodgings such as hostels and B&Bs.

It interviewed 74 people in Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, East Lothian, Glasgow, Highland and Midlothian – 60% of which were subject to a curfew and 75% were not allowed visits from family or friends.

Crisis has called on the Scottish government to bring in a seven-day limit to help homeless people feel more secure and have said ministers have agreed to do this in principle although no date has been set as yet.

Jon Sparkes, of Crisis, said: “We know councils are working on rapid rehousing plans that will enable homeless people to be housed faster, but there must be a legal backstop which will restrict the use of unsuitable temporary housing to seven days for everyone.”

Kevin Stewart, Scotland’s housing minister, said that the government was investing £6.5 million on placing people in settled accommodation.

He added: “While temporary accommodation provides an important safety net, we want the time anyone has to spend there to be as short as possible.”