Following the publication of a report by Registers for Scotland on homelessness deaths across the country, Highland and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said too many lives were still being lost in the Highlands.
Figures released show that, across Scotland, an estimated 250 people died while homeless last year, similar to figures from last year but an increase of around 100 more deaths than 2017 when data started to be collected.
Homelessness deaths in the Highlands were up since 2017, although there was a decrease in homeless deaths from 14 in 2020 to 9 in 2021. Na h-Eileanan Siar, Orkney and Shetland all recorded no deaths, as did councils such as Perth and Kinross and Stirling.
Commenting, Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“While the numbers of deaths related to homelessness in Highland has reduced this year, it is up since records began.
“The numbers do seem to fluctuate year on year, but the aim must be to reduce that number to zero. One death from homelessness in the Highlands or anywhere in Scotland is one too many.
“These are some of the most disadvantaged people in our community, often with tragic and challenging backstories, and who face real ongoing barriers in accessing healthcare, housing and other essential support.
“A zero figure can be achieved – and must be. And part of that should be the Scottish Government taking real action to end homelessness and tackle the causes of homelessness.
“And this means the support must be in place – including funding from the Scottish Government and resource from all key stakeholders – to ensure that can happen.”
