South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has warned that children may be stuck in temporary accommodation over the festive period, with the latest figures showing many families across the south of Scotland are in temporary properties.

In Dumfries and Galloway, as of March 2021, there were 30 families in temporary accommodation; this number was 25 in the Scottish Borders; 55 in South Ayrshire and 220 in South Lanarkshire (see table below for full breakdown).

Across Scotland, the number of families in temporary accommodation has hit a 10 year high, with latest figures suggesting 3,645 families are in temporary accommodation.

The length of time people are spending stranded in temporary accommodation is also rising nation-wide. Since its low point in 2014, this figure has increased by an astonishing 47 per cent.

Colin Smyth said: “It is a scandal that so many children across our area will be stuck in temporary accommodation over festive period.

“Here in the south of Scotland there are dozens of families in temporary accommodation. It is simply unacceptable.

“These children are being badly failed by the Scottish Government, who have ignored the warning signs year after year.  

“Leaving so many children in limbo for months on end will have a devastating impact on their wellbeing, attainment and life chances.

“This is not a housing strategy – it is a total dereliction of duty that should shame the Government.

“Families must have the safe and secure housing they need, and children should never bear the burden of the failures of the SNP Government.”