Homeless applications remain high as report reveals big challenges

More than 1,000 homeless applications have been recorded in Renfrewshire for the second year running as the council continues to “face significant challenges” in responding to the issue.

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Factors such as recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and impact of migration and asylum humanitarian programmes are among the reasons thought to be behind an increase in recent years.

That's according to a report to last week's communities and housing policy board, which showed there were 1,027 homeless applications in 2024/25, compared against 1,026 in 2023/24; 935 in 2022/23; and 909 in 2021/22.

Presenting the paper at Tuesday’s meeting, Tom Irvine, the council's homeless and housing support services manager, said: “The report provides an overview on the demand and challenges in providing homeless and housing support services across Renfrewshire by the council and the key partners.