Scotland’s social housing sector has said that more affordable housing is desperately required to reverse the 17 per cent increase in the number of children living in temporary accommodation.

Responding to the latest homelessness and housing options statistics released yesterday by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) said there also needs to be closer working between the housing and health and social care sectors to improve tenancy sustainment.

Scottish local authorities received around 17,100 applications for homelessness assistance during April to September 2016, 3 per cent lower than in the same period in 2015. However, the number of children in temporary accommodation increased by 826 children (+17 per cent), comparing figures at 30 September 2016 with the same date one year ago.

There was a 21 per cent increase in applicants citing mental health problems as a reason for failing to maintain accommodation and a 13 per cent increase in those stating physical health problems.

Zhan McIntyre, SFHA policy lead, said: “While we welcome the small drop in homeless applications, more needs to be done to prevent homelessness. The increase in the amount of children in temporary accommodation by 17 per cent is alarming and shows that more affordable housing is desperately needed.

“Looking at the reasons applicants gave for failing to sustain accommodation, there was a 21 per cent increase in applicants citing mental health problems and a 13 per cent increase in those stating physical health problems – this suggests that the housing sector’s links with health and social care colleagues need to be strengthened.

“Everyone in Scotland should have a warm, safe, affordable home. In order to end the blight of homelessness in Scotland, not only do we need to increase the amount of affordable housing, but we need to work closer with stakeholders, such as the health and social care sector, so that we can focus on those most in need and help people to sustain their tenancy.”

CIH Scotland executive director, Annie Mauger, added: “These statistics continue to show a downward trend in the number of people being assessed as homeless and this is testament to the hard work of the housing sector and its focus on prevention. However, we are concerned by the number of households who find themselves in temporary accommodation and particularly the rise in the number of households with children living in temporary accommodation – 3,174 at the end of September last year, a 13 per cent increase on the corresponding number a year previously.

“Temporary accommodation is not ideal for any household but can be particularly disruptive for children. These statistics show the need for a continued focus on providing enough good quality, affordable homes with the right type of support in place to ensure that every household in Scotland has a safe secure place to call home.”

Adam Lang, head of communications and policy at Shelter Scotland, said: “Yesterday’s figures back up our concerns voiced last year that the decrease in homelessness numbers seen in recent times is slowing and may have plateaued. This is a cause for great concern and highlights the urgent need for the Scottish Government to commit to a new national homelessness strategy.

“It is deeply worrying that there are 826 more children without a permanent home in Scotland than the same time last year – a third consecutive rise. This is simply not good enough in 21st Century Scotland and shows that homelessness is far from fixed.

“To ensure no child spends longer than necessary in temporary accommodation, we need to deliver both a major step change in affordable housing supply, at least 12,000 affordable homes each year of this parliament, as well as a renewed local and national commitment to tackling the root causes of homelessness in Scotland.”

Adam Lang added: “The good work carried out in reducing homelessness in Scotland since devolution can only continue by ensuring that homelessness services across Scotland are properly funded and high standards are maintained to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“While we recognise the significant financial pressures on local authorities, we would nevertheless call on them to protect and prioritise the funding of vital homelessness service provisions.”

In spite of the figures showing a small decrease in homelessness assistance during April to September 2016, the Scottish Greens said it’s a “national disgrace” that homelessness still exists in Scotland.

Andy Wightman MSP, the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The reduction in applications for homelessness assistance is welcome, but nevertheless the fact that homelessness still exists, and in such large numbers, in our wealthy country is a national disgrace. The Scottish Government also needs to assist children and families to find suitable accommodation because the temporary arrangements can often be inappropriate and cause indirect issues on the wellbeing of youngsters in schools.

“We already know that teachers, social and healthcare professionals report an increase in instances of anxiety and behavioural issues due to the stress and unfamiliarity of where they are placed.”