The SNP and the Tories are failing a record number of Scots, Jackie Baillie has said today, as levels of homelessness in Scotland have hit an all-time high.

Figures released today reveal that a shocking 39,006 homelessness applications were made in the past year, marking a stark increase of 3,247 compared to 2021-22. This figure represents the highest number of applications since records began.

In Argyll and Bute alone, the figure rose from less than 400 in 2021/22 to more than 500 in 2022/23.

In West Dunbartonshire, in 2022/23, there were 1202 applications, one less than the previous year but 180 more than in 2019/20.

The number of people living in temporary accommodation has also skyrocketed, and the number of children in temporary accommodation increased by an alarming 39 percent in only one year in West Dunbartonshire and by 33 percent in Argyll and Bute. This is far higher than the Scottish average of nine percent.

Scottish Labour has blasted the SNP for ‘chronic inaction’ on the homelessness crisis and called for less spin and more long-term solutions after the rent freeze failed to reverse the tidal wave of homelessness caused by the Tory economic crisis.

Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie Baillie said: “This shocking situation is a damning indictment of two failed governments – the SNP and the Tories – who have presided over this crisis due to their chronic inaction.

“Both parties are wrapped up in their own spin and soap opera drama which prevents them from finding any real solutions in getting people housed, which has only gotten worse year upon year.

“Tory economic chaos and SNP inaction means Scotland’s homelessness crisis has spiralled out of control. Our most vulnerable are paying the price for this.

“The SNP and the Tories should hang their heads in shame at the scale of this crisis.

“Action needs to be taken now to sort this out, build the homes people need and deliver the long-term support to people facing homelessness.”