HOUSING hardship has been ‘significantly’ underestimated in Inverclyde according to a new survey which has found that THOUSANDS of local homes are overcrowded, unfit or unsuitable for their occupants.

Stark statistics published by Homes for Scotland (HFS), the sector body representing the country’s homebuilders, show that over 10,000 local households face one or more forms of 'housing need'.

This includes those living in unfit properties, overcrowded accommodation and homes requiring specialist adaptations, as well as households that are ‘concealed’ or struggling financially as a direct result of high housing costs.

The survey found that 2,000 households here are overcrowded, while 1,000 were in properties that required specialised housing adaptation or support.

The poll also revealed that 7,000 local homes had at least one ‘concealed household’, which is defined as an individual or group of people who wish to move out to form their own but are currently unable to do so. 

Research also suggests that 2,000 households are living in ‘unfit’ properties where at least one aspect of the property is in ‘very poor’ condition.

A total of 2,000 households also reported they are struggling financially due to high housing costs.

Official data shows that across Inverclyde 100 households are living in homeless temporary accommodation.

The report, which was carried out by The Diffley Partnership and Rettie & Co, claims that the estimates of housing need calculated to date through the Scottish Government’s Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) tool have significantly underestimated how many households are facing housing hardship, including those in Inverclyde. 

HFS chief executive Jane Wood said: “Adequate housing is a human right, but today more than a quarter of households in Scotland are in one or more forms of housing need – including 10,100 in Inverclyde.

“There is simply no excuse for Scotland to continue this housing deficit trajectory.

“We need to create an inclusive and agile housing system, one that meets the needs of all those living in Scotland and can cope with additional demand caused by unexpected and global events. 

“We are committed to working with Inverclyde Council to do just that.

 “As this comprehensive report demonstrates, the level of housing need far exceeds the current calculations used to determine where and how many homes need to be built in Inverclyde and across Scotland.

"It provides local authorities and the Scottish Government with an effective and robust data tool to help them understand true housing need at local and national levels. 

“It is our hope that, in our shared endeavour to end the housing crisis, this data will be welcomed and used by the Scottish Government, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that our housing needs are properly met.”