Call for homeless deaths to be recorded as ‘disgraceful’ figures reveal almost two die a week on Scotland’s streets
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Senior figures working to tackle homelessness are calling on the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland to urgently investigate the deaths of those who are homeless after new research revealed at least 94 men and women have died while homeless in Scotland in the last 12 months.
New data released by investigative platform The Ferret in partnership with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) includes 42 deaths recorded in the Bureau Dying Homeless database, along with a further 52 which The Ferret has learned of. The Ferret added that its investigations suggest the numbers are likely to be a “significant under-estimate”.
TBIJ says at least 449 people have died homeless in the last year across the UK, more than one person a day, though again homeless organisations have said the number is likely to be an under-estimate.
Of the UK total recorded in the database so far, 138 people can be publicly identified – more names are known to journalists but have been withheld at the request of those who knew them.
Deaths of the “hidden homeless” including those who were sofa surfing or in prison were also counted. Almost 70% were men.
The average age of death for men was 49 years old, and for women it was 53.
Shelter Scotland director Graeme Brown gives his reaction to the figures
Graeme Brown provides his solution to the problem
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