More than 5,000 children homeless this Christmas

THE new deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar, has backed a “No room at the inn” campaign, calling for legal minimum standards for temporary accommodation.

Shelter Scotland is demanding improved arrangements for homeless children who are having their health put at risk by living in poor quality temporary housing. Across Scotland, 11,000 households are expected to be in temporary accommodation this Christmas.

An estimated 5,800 homeless Scottish youngsters will spend Christmas Day in emergency accommodation – many in bad, damp, unregulated flats.

Over 100 children are expected to wake up on Christmas morning in a hostel or B&B.

Mr Sarwar, said: “Christmas should be a time for happiness, but sadly too many children will wake up in B&Bs and run-down temporary accommodation on Christmas morning.

“As the number of Scots living in temporary accommodation hits a record high, it is more important than ever that we drive up standards.

“We owe it to Scotland’s young people because poor housing can have a debilitating impact on children’s life chances.

“I urge the SNP government to implement tough new minimum standards.”