In response to statistics that show that the estimated number of people aged over 65 who died while homeless in Scotland in 2023 was 19, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager said:
“It is a social injustice and a human tragedy that the estimated number of older people who died while homeless in 2023 has risen to 19.
“Every person’s death while homeless highlights that more must be done to make sure that no older person is faced with homelessness in the first place.
“All renters in Scotland, including those in later life, need to see the Housing (Scotland) Bill progress as soon as possible. The Bill provides much of what renters need to see, including homelessness prevention measures which will help address the housing crisis. Our research has shown that almost 1 in 6 older private renters are worried about being evicted in the next 12 months. Through the proposed duties in the Housing Bill, a greater focus on early intervention and resourcing homelessness can be tackled. The figures today show how vital this work is.”