Homeless deaths in West Dunbartonshire spike by more than 40 per cent in a year

Homeless deaths in West Dunbartonshire have risen by over 40 per cent in the span of just one year, according to recent data from the National Records of Scotland (NRS). The figures reveal a stark increase in estimated homeless deaths in the area, with seven deaths recorded compared to five the previous year. This rise comes amidst Scotland’s ongoing housing crisis, which continues to impact vulnerable individuals within the community.

The NRS statistics shed light on the concerning trend, showing a fluctuation in homeless deaths over the past few years. In 2021, five deaths were estimated, while 2020 saw a significant spike with 13 estimated deaths. Beth Watson, senior assistant statistician at NRS, highlighted the persistence of the issue, stating that the number of homeless deaths in 2023 is similar to the previous year. It is noted that the occurrence of homeless deaths has increased since 2017 when such data began to be collected, with half of the deaths in 2023 involving individuals under the age of 45.

The report also reveals that West Dunbartonshire’s estimated death rate per million of the population in 2023 was 103.1, a notable increase from 67.6 in 2022. Housing charity Shelter has called for urgent action to address Scotland’s housing emergency following the release of the report. Alison Watson, Shelter Scotland Director, emphasized the need for a comprehensive response to tackle the chronic shortage of social homes and provide adequate resources to local homelessness services.

Additionally, The Salvation Army has reiterated the importance of accurately recording the cause of death for individuals in temporary accommodation and gathering precise information on those sleeping rough. Helen Murdoch, Assistant Director of Homelessness at The Salvation Army in Scotland, expressed concern over the lack of detailed data to identify trends and implement timely interventions. The organisation advocates for a system similar to London’s CHAIN, which provides real-time information on rough sleepers to facilitate targeted support.

Nationally, Scotland recorded an estimated 242 homeless deaths last year, with a slight decrease from the previous year. However, the number of deaths due to drug misuse among homeless individuals increased from 89 to 100. Men accounted for the majority of homeless deaths at 79%, while women made up 21% of the total.

The rise in homeless deaths in West Dunbartonshire underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing robust support systems for those in need. As communities grapple with the ongoing housing crisis, advocates and organisations continue to call for coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable in society.

**Insights and Summary:**
The increase in homeless deaths in West Dunbartonshire highlights the pressing issue of homelessness and the critical need for comprehensive solutions to address this crisis. The statistics reveal a concerning trend that calls for immediate action to provide adequate housing and support for vulnerable individuals in the community. Organisations like Shelter and The Salvation Army are advocating for increased resources and accurate data collection to effectively combat homelessness and its associated challenges. As Scotland grapples with the impact of the housing emergency, it is essential for policymakers, communities, and support services to work together towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their housing status.