South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has warned that hundreds of children across the region are being forced to spend the festive period in temporary accommodation.

Across Scotland, the number of children staying in temporary accommodation has soared to a shameful record high of 8,635 with huge increases in every region in South Scotland in the past 20 years.

Overall the length of time people have to spend in temporary accommodation has also been climbing year-on-year across Scotland, with families being hit hardest by long waits.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said, “It is a scandal that so many children in our area will have spent Christmas in temporary accommodation.

“The lack of suitable housing locally is shameful and the recent Scottish Government budget plan to reduce spending on new homes will make the problem worse.

“Leaving children stranded in temporary accommodation for so long will impact on their health and wellbeing.

“The Scottish Government need to act urgently to fix this shocking dereliction of duty and make sure that every family across our area have the safe, secure housing they need.”