Homelessness applications and outcomes

Request data on homelessness applications received, assessments, and outcomes.

Every council in Scotland has a legal duty to assess people who present as homeless. The numbers tell you how well local homelessness services are actually working.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total number of homelessness applications received. 2. The number of applicants assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. 3. A breakdown of the type of duty owed to each applicant (e.g. provision of settled accommodation, provision of temporary accommodation, advice and assistance). 4. The number of cases closed during the same period and the outcome for each (e.g. settled accommodation secured, lost contact, application withdrawn). I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Your local council’s housing or homelessness team. Find your council on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • Councils submit homelessness data to the Scottish Government through the HL1 return. This request asks for a local breakdown of similar information.
  • Stick to one financial year per request. You can follow up with a request covering previous years once you have the first set of figures.
  • If the council says this would exceed the cost limit, narrow your request to items 1 and 2 only, and make a separate request for outcomes.