A DUMBARTON MSP has slammed the 'disgraceful' length of time children spend in temporary accommodation, as figures show the average stay for couples with children has risen to almost a year.

New analysis of homeless statistics for 2020-21 has revealed that children are facing increasingly lengthy spells in temporary accommodation, with average stays increasing year on year since 2017-18.

In 2020/21 West Dunbartonshire had the highest rate of households assessed as homeless with 11.9 households per 100,000 population. 

On average, a couple with children now spends almost a year in temporary accommodation, with average stays now at 341 days. This is almost 5 months longer than a couple without children.

Similarly, single parents typically wait an extra 53 days compared to their childless counterparts.

Since 2018-19, the average stay for single parents has increased by 25 days or 12 per cent, while couples with children have faced an astonishing 30 per cent increase, with average stays rising by over 2.5 months.

These are both above the average increase of 16 days or 9 per cent across all households.

Jackie Baillie said: “These ever-growing stays in temporary accommodation are nothing short of disgraceful. It is shameful that West Dunbartonshire has the highest number of households assessed as homeless per 100,000.

“Any civilised society should be getting children into proper homes as a matter of urgency – but we are falling woefully short.

“It is shameful that some children will go through the best part of an entire school year stuck in limbo.

“It is particularly unthinkable for children to face months on end in temporary accommodation, but it is a scandal for people of any age to have to endure this."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Temporary accommodation can offer an important emergency safety net for anyone who finds themselves homeless, but we recognise that it should be a purely temporary measure, particularly for families with children.

“Local authorities share our ambition to ensure stays in temporary accommodation are short-term, and we will be working with them to achieve this. 

“For some councils, it can take a long time to acquire an appropriate property to match a household’s particular needs.

“We are investing £37.5 million to support councils to prioritise settled accommodation for all as part of our aim that everyone has an affordable home. 

“We also have a target of delivering 110,000 more affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70 per cent for social rent.”