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Emergency measures to tackle Edinburgh homelessness crisis

Getty Images High rises houses that are painted blue.Getty Images
The City of Edinburgh Council formally declared a housing emergency in 2023

Edinburgh councillors have approved emergency measures to tackle the city's worsening homelessness crisis.

The local authority confirmed new council lets will be suspended in all but a few exceptions.

People who have spent years on the housing waiting list say they are worried the new plans will reduce their chances of getting a suitable home.

But the council said it needs to take urgent action to meet unprecedented demand and fulfil its legal responsibilities.

Eilidh Keay, Edinburgh chairwoman of the tenants' union Living Rent, said: "It is a shocking state of reality that Edinburgh's council housing has come to this.

"We should be able to house everyone in safe, secure, affordable council housing.

"The fact we can't is only because of choices our elected politicians continue to make."

She said it was a "quick fix" that would not solve homelessness long term.

These latest measures mean only non-council social housing will be advertised to let to the more than 7,000 homeless households in the capital.

Tyler has dyed red hair that is tied up and black glasses. She is wearing a black jacket with white faces all over it.
Tyler Nicol, a mother-of-three, said she cannot afford council property rent

Tyler Nicol, a mother-of-three, said: "I've looked at a few three bedrooms, and even opted to go for two bedrooms and have two kids sharing and I'll sleep in the living room.

"It's the only option that I've had because I can't afford the rent.

"So if there's no council properties for a decent rent that I can afford, then we'll be stuck in a place that I feel is unsafe."

Ann Wright has black hair that is tied up. She is wearing a black and white check shirt.
Ann Wright became homeless after walking out of a 43-year relationship with nothing but the clothes she was wearing.

Ann Wright told BBC Scotland News: "I've come out of a 43-year relationship.

"We had a house. I left him in the house. I walked out with just my clothes. And that's how I ended up homeless.

"I'm bidding every week. There's some weeks I can't bid because there's no one bedrooms there at all."

Mother-of-three Stacey said she had been bidding for a permanent flat for six years.

She said: "We've been in this flat for six years and we can't settle in the flat because we know that it's not actually ours.

"My youngest daughter who is on the spectrum, she's got autism and ADHD, she keeps asking when are we getting a new house because things changing aren't good for her.

"I've been sharing a bed with my youngest since she was nine months old.

"Since we were put into temporary accommodation we've been sharing a bed with each other because it's not big enough."

The housing emergency is also affecting rough sleepers and the numbers are rising to almost double those recorded in the previous winter.

Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson welcomed the action but said it was not a long-term solution

"Edinburgh's housing emergency cannot be solved by crisis measures alone," she said.

The council has insisted it is trying to buy, build or improve social housing and prevent homelessness.

And it has emphasised emergency measures are needed for as long as it takes to make its housing system lawful again.

Lezley Marion Cameron, City of Edinburgh Council's housing, homelessness and fair work committee convener, said the unanimous decision was "not an easy one".

She said they needed more funding and that the committee would reconvene on 13 June to assess the early impact of the suspension.