Actions to end homelessness and rough sleeping in Moray have been agreed.

Moray Council’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, which has the aim of ending rough sleeping, transforming the use of temporary accommodation and ending homelessness in Moray over the next five years, will now be submitted to the Scottish Government

The plan outlines the steps it will take, including increasing the overall supply of social housing re-lets, especially one-bedroom properties. It comes as homelessness figures in Moray show a high proportion of single person households, and the greatest pressure on housing stock on one and four-bedroom properties.

Other actions include reducing the use of B&B, private sector and hostel accommodation, and use of an extra 38 council properties for temporary accommodation in appropriate locations.

In the initial phase of this plan, homeless families with children will be prioritised for re-housing, to minimise the time children spend in insecure housing.

A ‘Housing First’ model will also be introduced in Moray during 2019/20; this initiative aims to improve outcomes for the small number of households in Moray with complex needs, often associated with addiction and/or mental health issues. The model will recognise a safe and secure home as the best base for recovery, and offer applicants person-centred, flexible support to sustain their tenancy.

Chair of Moray Council’s communities committee, Cllr Louise Laing, supports the initial plan being put forward to the Scottish Government.

Cllr Laing said: “At least 8% of the Scottish population has experienced homelessness at some point in their lives and although Moray doesn’t experience the same levels of rough sleeping as the big cities, it’s our responsibility to be proactive and take action to end this in Moray – I’m confident that this plan sets out the way for us here in Moray to do just that.”