Council plans to move homeless out of ‘unlawful hotels’ could put people on streets, warns charity

Edinburgh City Council facing backlash for plan to relocate homeless individuals

An Edinburgh Council initiative to move 700 homeless individuals out of unlicensed temporary accommodation by December is drawing criticism from homelessness leaders, who fear that the move could result in some individuals ending up back on the streets or in inadequate housing. The council had secured rooms in hotels and B&Bs as temporary shelters during the pandemic, but these properties need to be licensed as houses of multiple occupation (HMO) if used as primary residences. Despite legal requirements, around 700 rooms in 30 unlicensed HMOs are still being used as temporary accommodation. Lawyers have cautioned the council for financially supporting operators who do not comply with health and safety regulations.

To address the legal concerns, urgent steps are being taken to transition everyone in unlicensed HMOs to lawful accommodation by December, including suspending new council house allocations and non-urgent repairs until January. However, with a shortage of housing in the city, there are fears that some homeless individuals may be relocated outside Edinburgh or end up on the streets. Ewan Aitken, chair of Shape, a coalition of 20 charities working on homelessness, emphasised the need for more time to tackle the crisis effectively, highlighting the vulnerable nature of many homeless individuals who rely on on-site support provided at the current accommodations.

The potential consequences of the rushed relocation include individuals facing difficulties in maintaining tenancies due to insufficient support and being re-traumatised by the upheaval. Concerns have been raised about the abrupt timeline and the lack of suitable housing options available. Charities have appealed for a more considerate approach to prevent harm to homeless individuals.

Despite the challenges, council officials stress the need to resolve the issue promptly to avoid a backlog of homeless individuals in need of housing. The decision to relocate individuals from unlicensed accommodations has sparked debates among council members, with differing opinions on the best course of action. While there are concerns about the legality and risks associated with unlicensed accommodations, there is a call for a more phased and person-centred approach to the relocation process.

As discussions continue on the most appropriate way forward, the focus remains on providing safe and sustainable housing solutions for the homeless population in Edinburgh, balancing legal requirements with compassionate and effective support for those in need.

Summary:
The Edinburgh City Council’s endeavour to move homeless individuals from unlicensed accommodations has stirred debate and raised concerns about potential consequences for vulnerable individuals. While legal compliance is crucial, finding a balance between meeting regulatory standards and ensuring the well-being of homeless individuals remains a challenge. Collaborative efforts between authorities, charities, and stakeholders are essential to address the housing crisis and support those in need effectively.