NEW statistics, published by the Scottish Government last week, revealed a nine per cent increase in the number of homelessness applications in Clackmannanshire last year – but the findings are more favourable compared to 2012 figures.

Figures, based on dates available from three-quarters of the years 2012-2014, showed that there were 377 homelessness applications last year (January-September 2014) compared to that of 346 the same period the year before.

However, 2013 showed significant improvement compared to 411 applications in 2012 (a 16 per cent drop).

Council leader and convener of Housing, Health & Social Care, Les Sharp said: “The council has introduced a number of new and improved services to help tackle homelessness in Clackmannanshire.”

According to the local authority, the leading causes of homelessness in the Wee County are: being asked to leave accommodation (with 37 per cent of cases) and, (in 17 per cent of homelessness applications) a non-violent dispute with a member of household.

In March last year the council launched a new housing options service in their Kilncraigs office.

ome@Clacks aims to help anyone who is looking for a new home and gives people advice on the full range of housing options available either in council or housing association property.

One of the ways the council can tackle the issue of homelessness is early prevention and intervention.

These measures include identifying those who are potentially at risk, giving advice and negotiation with landlords to avoid the imminent loss of a home.

In August last year, the council’s Housing Health & Care Committee considered the most recent draft of the Housing Needs and Demand Assessment (HNDA), which found that in Clackmannanshire 375 new homes are needed per year, with 3600 properties by 2021.

Their housing market breakdown showed that 61 per cent of demand is for the main population centre in the Alloa, Tullibody and Clackmannan corridor. The demand in the Hillfoots is around 32 per cent.

Last year around 70 per cent of applicants were assessed to be unintentionally homeless, five per cent were found to be intentionally homeless, while in a quarter of cases the applicants were either found not to be homeless, resolved their situation prior to assessment or withdrew their application.