However, the number of children living in temporary accommodation rose by 13 per cent to 4,876 as of 31 December 2015.

The figures are included in the quarterly Homelessness in Scotland bulletin, which was released today by Scotland’s chief statistician.

Overall, there were 10,467 households in temporary accommodation as at 31 December 2015 – an increase of 249 households (+2 per cent) compared with one year earlier.

Over a quarter (2,769 households) were households with children - an increase of 278 households (+11 per cent).

In addition to the fall in applications, the number assessed as homeless, or likely to become homeless within two months, fell by around 500 (-7 per cent) to 6,500.

Outcomes for those entitled to settled accommodation were maintained, with around four out of five securing settled accommodation (including a local authority, housing association or private let as an outcome). This proportion has remained stable since 2007.