ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by examining what the term homelessness means and by reference to a review of the definitions considers the nature of statistics available. The core of the chapter analyses these statistics from 1979, describing the rise of homelessness and breaking down the trends identified by regions, cities, and an urban/rural split. This spatial analysis is based on the experience of the housing authorities prior to the re-organisation of local government in 1996. The chapter then considers the reasons for homelessness and the policy implications for the Scottish Parliament. It is based on a review of government statistics, local studies and a survey of the former district authorities in Scotland. Because of the paucity of information it only distinguishes between rooflessness and statutory homelessness. The chapter considers homelessness at three levels; homeless applicants, households accepted as homeless and those assessed as in priority need.
