MSP warns against complacency as homeless death rates fall

New statistics from the National Records of Scotland show that homeless deaths in Inverclyde have almost halved within the space of a year.

The rate fell from 39.1 per million population, aged 15-74, in 2022 to 19.5 in 2023 – below the national average of 58.3.

This represents a continuing downward trend, with Inverclyde having previously ranked second-highest in Scotland with a rate of 122.5 in 2020.

Across Scotland, a total of 242 deaths were recorded in 2023 – a slight reduction on the 244 reported in 2022.

Stuart McMillan, MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, welcomed the news but warned that there is still work to be done.

Stuart McMillan (Image: George Munro) Mr McMillan added: “These figures demonstrate that the improved relations between the homelessness service and local housing associations are having a positive effect, but the death rate remains too high.

“Every life lost is precious and is preventable; we must not be complacent.

“Nonetheless, I want to commend Inverclyde HSCP and local registered social landlords (RSL) for improved partnership working to try to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.

“The fact that Inverclyde’s figures have significantly improved since 2022 suggests that work is happening at pace, which I welcome."

Nationally, the number of people who died from drug misuse while experiencing homelessness increased from 89 to 100, accounting for 41 per cent all homeless deaths.

Noting his concern at this figure, Mr McMillan told the Telegraph: “I know that local recovery organisations are working hard to support people in all aspects, including housing, but it’s vital that this work continues and where improvements can be made, these need to happen.

“Ultimately, housing agencies in conjunction with local agencies need to adopt proactive strategies to support people before they become vulnerable to homelessness, as prevention saves lives.”

Councillor Francesca Brennan said the reduction in deaths in Inverclyde should be ‘cautiously welcomed’ while remembering that the numbers represent ‘real individual tragedies’.

Councillor Francesca Brennan (Image: George Munro) She echoed Mr McMillan’s concerns over the high proportion of drug-related deaths, describing the statistics as ‘completely unacceptable’.

Councillor Brennan added: “I think it is important to highlight that Inverclyde has made very significant improvements in homelessness prevention.

“Staff have looked carefully at the range of support provided to households facing crisis and Inverclyde has done a huge amount of work in early intervention and prevention activities to avoid people reaching crisis point with their housing.

“On top of that, there has been improved communication and partnership working between housing services and local RSLs with a real focus on supporting individuals with more complex needs.

“If we are also starting to see these carefully-planned, intense activities having a wider impact on the reduction of people dying while experiencing homelessness then this is a big step forward for people in our area.”

Elsewhere, the Shetland Islands recorded the highest rate on 205.6, followed by Na H-Eileanan Siar with 181.0 and the City of Edinburgh on 119.8.