Working together, the council and its partners have again made significant progress in preventing and reducing homelessness and in supporting those affected.

This has been achieved through delivering on the priorities set out within the South Lanarkshire Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) 2019-2024.

A review of year three (2021-22) of the RRTP, was completed earlier this year and reported to both the Scottish Government and Housing and Technical Resources Committee. The review highlighted a number of key achievements including:

• An improved position in long-term homelessness, with 25% fewer households living in temporary accommodation for more than 12 months and a 22% reduction in time spent in temporary accommodation by households with children.
• A positive impact on levels of homelessness with a 21% reduction in the number of households who were homeless (from 969 households in March 2021 to 765 at the end of March 2022)
• A 4% reduction in the number of homeless presentations to the council from 2,225 in 2020-21 to 2,134 in 2021-22
• An increase in the supply of affordable housing in South Lanarkshire with an additional 590 affordable homes delivered by the council and its housing association partners during the year.

In addition, during 2021-22 there was a continued growth in the Housing First approach, with a further nine households with multiple and complex needs supported during the year. A total of 33 households have been included within the programme.

The Housing First programme aims to provide people who are homeless and have ongoing support needs with a secure home quickly and support to live in their home.

In delivering Housing First, Housing Services work closely with a range of partner agencies to ensure that appropriate housing and intensive support can be provided. The support provided is flexible, tailored to the needs and circumstances of the household and includes advice on budgeting, benefit entitlements, managing utility bills as well as support to integrate into the community.

John’s* life changed as a result of the support he received through Housing First. He said: “I thought all I needed was a house, but you have saved me so many times and look at what I have done. I have a home that is mine and you could not be any more of a diamond to me. Thank you.”

As we move forward into year four of the RRTP, there remains a strong commitment from the council and its partners to continue to build on the good work and successful outcomes already achieved for those experiencing homelessness in South Lanarkshire.

*Name has been changed