Scotland is facing a housing emergency that is disproportionately affecting women, according to experts who have issued a warning. A report by Shelter and Engender charities revealed that women are being significantly impacted by higher rates of poverty and reliance on social security benefits, which are limiting their ability to secure housing. Statistics show that around one-third of households led by women are in the social rented sector, compared to fewer than one in five households led by men. Last year, 75 percent of single-parent households assessed as homeless were headed by women, leading to longer stays in temporary accommodation due to the shortage of larger social homes.
Official figures indicate that the number of homeless individuals in Scotland has reached the highest level in over a decade, attributed to escalating private rental costs and insufficient social housing. The lack of appropriate responses to women’s specific needs within homelessness services has been highlighted in the report, particularly for those fleeing domestic abuse. Issues such as caring responsibilities and safety concerns present additional challenges in accessing suitable temporary accommodation for women, which local services often fail to address adequately.
Alison Watson from Shelter Scotland emphasised the significant harm inflicted on women by the housing crisis, pointing out the systemic bias in Scotland’s housing system. She underscored the critical need for action by all levels of government to address the challenges outlined in the report. Catherine Murphy, chief executive at Engender, highlighted the multiple barriers facing women within the current housing system, pushing them into cycles of poverty and instability, exacerbated for those dealing with various layers of inequality.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan acknowledged the link between domestic abuse and women’s homelessness, stressing the need for collaborative efforts across governments and local authorities to prevent women from becoming homeless due to domestic violence. Measures outlined in the Housing Bill aim to provide support to tenants at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse, ensuring their right to remain safely in their homes.
The report concludes that a targeted approach addressing the gender bias embedded in the housing system is essential to improve women’s access to secure and affordable housing. The call for action to alleviate the housing crisis faced by women in Scotland includes prioritising safe accommodation and support for those most vulnerable. Experts urge a holistic response to the housing emergency to ensure that women are not left behind in the pursuit of stable and secure housing.