AN AYRSHIRE MSP has criticised the Scottish government for the country's ‘concerning’ homelessness figures.

MSP Sharon Dowey is urging ministers to take action after the recent publication of Scottish homelessness statistics showed a 4 per cent jump in just one year.

These numbers showed that homelessness applications in Scotland increased from 39,308 in 2022-23, to 40,685 in 2023-24. 

The total number of open homelessness cases also increased across Scotland in 2023-24 to 31,870, an increase of 8 per cent compared to 29,408 cases in 2023.

The Conservative politician was disappointed to see the figures showing South Ayrshire with the fourth highest rate of households experiencing homelessness compared to the total number of households in the area.

She said: “These figures should be a wakeup call for SNP ministers. While the SNP Government has finally agreed with calls from the Scottish Conservatives, councils and housing organisations that there is a housing emergency in Scotland, their inaction is leading to homelessness levels continuing to rise.

“It is concerning that an increasing number of children are experiencing homelessness, and many young people are staying in temporary housing that is frequently insufficient to meet their basic requirements for extended periods of time.

"This is a direct consequence of the SNP Government cutting almost £200 million from the housing budget at a time of an ever-growing crisis in our communities.”

Paul McLennan, housing minister, said: “These figures are deeply concerning and I know the lack of a settled home seriously affects people’s health and life chances.

"They demonstrate the scale of the challenge we face in tackling the housing emergency and I am determined to work with partners to reverse this trend.

“Working with representatives from across the housing sector is crucial. We have made record funding of more than £14 billion available to councils in 2024-25 to deliver a range of services, including in homelessness services, and we will continue to support councils to tackle the crisis.

"However, we must stop homelessness from happening in the first place and ensure affordable homes are available when people need them, we are taking action on both fronts."