Biannual figures released today by the Scottish Government show that between April 2025 and September 2025, 1,487 households included someone who had slept rough the night before approaching their council for help. This is up 24% compared to the same six-month period the previous year and up 106% on three years ago. 

The data also shows: 

• Non-local authority hostel use has increased by 35% at the end of September 2025 compared to the same six-month period in the previous year   

• 19,280 applications were closed – down 6% compared to 2024 

• As of 30 Sept 2025, there were 18,092 households in temporary accommodation – up by 9% on the same time in 2024 

• There was a 54% increase in the number of homelessness applications from people with refugee or leave to remain statuses compared to last year. The rise in homelessness among these groups was a particular issue in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow. 

Maeve McGoldrick, Head of Policy and Communications at Crisis Scotland, said:  

“These figures show the extraordinary pressure the homelessness system is being placed under. It’s particularly worrying to see a large rise in people rough sleeping in parts of the country. This is the most acute form of poverty and was quite uncommon a few years ago but is now becoming the new normal.  

“While we have seen a promising reduction in the overall use of unsuitable temporary accommodation, which we have campaigned on for years, homelessness will only get worse unless more work is done to prevent it from occurring in the first place and support is available for everyone who needs it. With the rise in the use of hostels and B&Bs, Ministers must proceed at pace with the national roll out of Housing First, so that people in desperate need can be housed urgently. They must also prevent people being pushed onto the streets when leaving other institutions, such as prisons, health services and Home Office accommodation. 

“Looking forward to the Scottish election in May, we need a commitment from all political parties to end homelessness in Scotland by 2040. Having this shared political commitment over a sustained period of time will be the most effective way of bringing about the structural changes needed, ensuring that we can end homelessness for good.” 

Notes to editors  

The Scottish Government published its biannual update on homelessness on Tuesday 2 February 2026.  

The full data set can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/homelessness-in-scotland-update-to-30-september-2025/ 

The data shows that during 1 April and 30 September 2025: 

• 20,643 households approached their councils for support for homelessness. This is down 2% on the previous year and up by 9% compared to three years ago (18,971 households) 

• 2,092 households had at least one member who slept rough in the three months prior to approaching a local authority for assistance. This is up by 16% on the same period in 2024 

• 19,280 applications were closed – down 6% compared to 2024. 

Cases are closed once the local authority has fulfilled its statutory duty or contact has been lost with the applicant household for 28 days. 

About Crisis   

Crisis is the national charity for people facing homelessness across Wales, Scotland and England. We know that homelessness is not inevitable, and we know that together, we can end it. 

We provide services directly to people experiencing homelessness, carry out research into the causes and consequences of homelessness, and campaign for the changes needed to end it. 

You can contact the Crisis media team on 020 7426 3880, media@crisis.org.uk, or 07973 372587 (out of hours).