| A report into the extent of the problem across the country between May 2001 and October last year found that there had been a positive impact from increases in accommodation and efforts to reach out to those on the streets.
From around 500 at the start, the number of rough sleepers fell by about a third over the period. Edinburgh and Glasgow still had the biggest share, accounting for two-thirds of the Scottish total.
A snapshot survey in Dundee in May 2001 found 12 people with nowhere to stay. By last October than had fallen to only five.
Similar exercises found Angus going from one to zero, but Perth and Kinross rising from seven to 10 and Fife going up from 10 to 11.
The Executive report said that in many cases council officials know those involved, but are often unable to offer accommodation that the person will accept.
Some 18% of those counted have been living rough for between one and five years and another 11% for more than five years.
Men accounted for about 80% of the total, with the 25-40 age group most common. Female rough sleepers tended to be younger, with a large proportion 24 or under.
Many suffered from alcohol or drug abuse and a significant number had mental health problems.
The Executive report said there had been an increase of almost 200 beds available across the country during the survey period, taking the total to more than 2400.
It added, “The overall target has been achieved with sufficient direct access accommodation in place to accommodate those sleeping rough on the various spotter nights in question.” There were, however, “sporadic shortfalls in provision” in some areas, particularly in Perth and Kinross.
One approach working in the area was a kind of “municipal B&B”, operated by the voluntary sector, aimed at people who might not be able to cope with a more regimented regime.
The report noted this might be useful in other parts of the country, but pointed out the one in Perth benefited from not being in a residential area —so no neighbours to raise objections. |
