More than 50 people have been living in temporary accommodation for over a year in West Dunbartonshire despite the council promoting its housing first programme.
At least £700,000 is being invested in the Housing First programme, this year, which aims to help people at risk or who have become homelessness because of various hardships such as trauma, addictions and mental health problems.
In the last year the local authority has managed to support 15 people into housing first tenancies most of whom have been in and out of homelessness for a long time.
The issue was discussed at a recent housing and communities meeting. Concerns were raised about the funding of the scheme in the future.
Labour councillor David McBride said: “We have had 53 households in temporary accommodation for more than a year. I would like an explanation on how we are going to improve on that.
“We have been concerned about funding for this particular project for some time.
“Do we have any idea when we are going to hear about funding for years four and five of this project?”
Housing development and homelessness manager John Kerr explained that the Scottish Government and Cosla are expected to make an announcement on how the housing first programme will be funded over the next few years.
John Kerr: “We are confident that there will be funding announcements. In terms of the 53 households in temporary housing for more than a year, they are all single people with complex and challenging needs.
“They are in supported accommodation and there are some that could be moved into mainstream housing. Covid is impacting housing access.”
A progress report will be brought back before a future committee.
