Despite this increase, these figures remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to a council spokesperson.

The spokesperson said: “The 32% rise in families experiencing homelessness in 22/23 is driven by two factors: a general increase in homelessness as a result of complex issues around rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures; and a sharp drop in numbers of families seeking support during the pandemic period.

“Pre Covid-19, we had 168 homeless presentations from families. In 20/21 and 21/22 this reduced respectively to 83 and 107. In 22/23 there were 141 presentations, which remains below pre-pandemic levels.”

The cost of living crisis has purportedly led to a surge in relationship breakdowns, increasing the number of families in precarious housing situations.

Perth and Kinross Council’s innovative “Home First” approach to homelessness, established in 2017, aims to provide a permanent residence as an initial response to homeless presentations. The scheme is designed to circumvent the stigma, cost and uncertainty of temporary accommodation and homelessness.

Despite the success of Home First, the council, along with other local authorities, has experienced a post-pandemic influx in homeless households. This is coupled with a significant 35% reduction in available permanent properties across the Common Housing Register partners due to decreased levels of new-build completions and the reluctance of tenants to move amid cost of living pressures and adverse economic conditions.

The council also reported an unforeseen rise in non-UK nationals, specifically from Romania and Poland, presenting as homeless. This comes as a surprise as the numbers are higher than pre-Brexit levels. In response, the council has commissioned specialist training on immigration, eligibility and associated issues, The Perthshire Advertiser reports.

As of September 30, 2022, Perth and Kinross reported 51 households in temporary accommodation, a 38% increase compared to the same date in 2021. However, the region had the second lowest number of live homelessness cases in Scotland at 170, second only to Shetland.

The complete data set for 2022/2023 will be published at the end of August 2023, providing a more comprehensive view of Perth and Kinross’s position nationally.