Call for action as 60 children a day made homeless

Shelter Scotland is calling on Scottish ministers to publish guidance to councils and other agencies that would ensure children's needs are prioritised.

The organisation's annual report shows that 22,000 children were made homeless across Scotland last year – the equivalent of about 60 a day.

Nearly half of homeless children (44 per cent) are under five.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: "Last year, at a Shelter Scotland conference, the Scottish Government launched draft guidance on taking into account the best interests of homeless children.

"A year ago, the minister said that the final guidance would be published in a couple of months. A year on, we are still waiting." He added: "The message we're in danger of sending out to thousands of homeless children is 'no interest' rather than 'best interests'."

The report also shows that 155,000 children live in homes that have condensation or damp, putting them at a higher risk of asthma and other respiratory problems, while 128,000 children are living in fuel poverty.

There has also been a 37 per cent rise in the number of households with children living in temporary accommodation.

Tam Baillie, Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, said: "Homelessness violates children's rights in many ways. It undermines their education, health and security in ways that impact not only on their present lives but their futures.

"I am particularly concerned at the high numbers of children who experience disruption and stress in the early years of their lives, when we know how crucial these years are to successful development."