Temporary Relocation of Homeless Individuals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s council plans to move some homeless individuals. The council wants to stop using rooms without the right license. Covid has pushed housing needs to change fast.
Context and Background
When the pandemic began, the council used rooms in hotels and guest houses. These rooms helped many who had no home. Many rooms run without a proper license. Rules say that if a property is used as a home for many, it must have a license. Around 650 people now live in such rooms. Council workers say that nearly 10% of them might move out of Edinburgh if safe housing is not found by November’s end.
Plans for Relocation
The council works to find more housing options. They have set aside about 70 houses in nearby areas. These houses are close by, not more than 50 miles away. The council hopes to solve the problem without a permanent move. However, short moves are planned if housing does not come fast. The goal is to use the city’s current homes for a short time and bring people back as soon as possible.
Legal and Operational Challenges
The council must follow the law. Officials say that paying for rooms without a license can be a legal risk. The council will stop these payments in early December to meet health and safety rules. To find safe housing quickly, the council has paused new social housing applications and some repairs. This pause helps fill empty council homes faster. Recently, 174 empty homes were used. The council expects to add 120 more when licensing work is complete.
Continued Efforts in Response to Rising Demand
The need for safe housing has grown. Edinburgh has a system that lets those who need a home join a line. This system has paused because many people now need help. The team in charge works hard to fix the gap in housing. Past events show that even people with homes can be moved when guest numbers are high. This stress shows a tight balance between visitors and local residents.
Conclusion
Edinburgh’s council works hard as housing challenges grow. They aim to give every person a safe home while following the rules. The plan to move some homeless individuals may be hard, but the council works to bring them back to the city as soon as possible. Meeting the housing need calls for all to work together and use new ideas to protect local rules and support the community.
