Story perspectives

Scotland's Homelessness Crisis: 106% Rise in Three Years

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rough sleeping in Scotland rose 106% in three years, with record numbers of children in temporary accommodation.
The rise persists despite protections, driven by a lack of social and affordable housing.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has proposed a national housing agency, but commitments fall short of 16,000 annual social homes.
The plan prioritizes efficiency over a large public-housing expansion, and homelessness is expected to worsen ahead of upcoming elections.

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Story summary

Rough sleeping in Scotland rose 106% in three years, with record numbers of children in temporary accommodation.
The rise persists despite protections, driven by a lack of social and affordable housing.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has proposed a national housing agency, but commitments fall short of 16,000 annual social homes.
The plan prioritizes efficiency over a large public-housing expansion, and homelessness is expected to worsen ahead of upcoming elections.