Homelessness applications soar 'as Scots struggle with rent arrears'

Summary

The number of Scots submitting homelessness applications due to rent arrears has risen dramatically, with 193 more applications in 2022/23 than the previous year. Scottish Labour has accused both the UK and Scottish Governments of “chronic inaction” amid the cost of living crisis. The Scottish Government introduced a rent cap to help prevent homelessness, but a report shows a significant rent gap emerging between those already in tenancies and those seeking new accommodation. The UK Government has urged people to manage monthly repayments and has given each household an average of £3,300 to help with the cost of living.

Q&As

AI Comments

👍 It is encouraging to see the Scottish Government taking action to protect tenants, such as introducing rent caps and delaying evictions. It is also commendable that the UK Government is offering assistance to those struggling with mortgage payments.

👎 The figures are a stark reminder of the cost of living crisis and the fact that the UK and Scottish Governments have failed to adequately address the issue. The rising rents and mortgage rates are likely to cause further hardship for those already struggling.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about how homelessness applications have risen due to rent arrears in Scotland. Scottish Labour has accused the UK and Scottish Governments of inaction amid the cost of living crisis. It's a really concerning development and it's worrying that the situation is only getting worse.

Friend: That's really concerning. It's sad to think that so many people are struggling to keep up with rent payments and being pushed closer to homelessness. It's clear that the UK and Scottish Governments need to do more to help people facing rental arrears and to alleviate the cost of living crisis.

Me: Absolutely. We need to find ways to make housing more affordable and to provide more support for those in need. It's unacceptable that so many people are struggling to keep up with rent payments and are being pushed closer to homelessness.

Action items

• Contact your local government representative to urge them to take action to address the cost of living crisis and provide support to those at risk of losing their homes.
• Donate to a local charity or organization that provides assistance to those experiencing homelessness.
• Educate yourself and others on the causes and effects of homelessness and the need for affordable housing.

Technical terms

Homelessness applications

Applications for assistance with housing due to homelessness.

Rent arrears

Unpaid rent.

Cost of living crisis

A situation in which the cost of basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation is increasing faster than wages.

Freedom of information request

A request for information from a public or private organization.

Mortgage payments

Payments made on a mortgage loan.

Crisis accommodation

Temporary housing for people in need.

Defaulting

Failing to meet an obligation or agreement.

Mortgage bombshell

A sudden and unexpected increase in mortgage rates.

Rent freeze

A period of time during which rent prices are not allowed to increase.

Rent gap

The difference between the cost of rent for existing tenants and those seeking new accommodation.

Mortgage Charter

A set of rules and regulations governing the mortgage industry.

Inflation

A sustained increase in the general level of prices for goods and services.

Cost of living (Tenants Protection) Scotland Act

A law that places a cap on in-tenancy rent rises and introduces a delay in enacting evictions.

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