CLACKMANNANSHIRE has a higher rate of homelessness than almost every other local authority in Scotland.

New statistics show the scale of the problem, with Clackmannanshire Council receiving 523 homeless applications between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.

Of those applications, 424 were assessed as being homeless or threatened with homelessness.

When broken down by population size, this results in a rate of 10 homeless households per 1,000 people (aged 16+) in the area - the second highest rate of homelessness in Scotland.

Only West Dunbartonshire had a higher rate than Clackmannanshire, with 12.1 homeless households per 1,000 people.

The latest stats also show there were 651 people linked to those 424 homeless applications in Clacks: 477 adults, and 174 children.

By launching a homeless application with a local authority, households can access support services.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) said changes to the benefits system have affected local councils’ efforts to reduce homelessness.

The spokesperson said: “Over the last decade UK welfare reform has impacted all local authorities’ ability to prevent and address homelessness.

“Furthermore, the longer-term decline in available socially rented accommodation means that across the whole of Scotland there is still a major shortage of affordable housing.

“For many, access to home ownership is impossible and access to the private rented sector is made difficult by the requirement of large deposits.”

Worryingly, they warned the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic are likely to increase the number of homeless people in the area.

They said: “We anticipate the number of individuals presenting as homeless is likely to increase over the coming year as these statistics do not take into account the impact of Covid-19.”

Cllr Craig Holden, Spokesperson for Environment and Housing, also pointed to a lack of affordable housing as being a key issue driving the high rate of homelessness.

However, he also pointed to the work already being done to fix this.

He said: “Clackmannanshire has, for many years, had homelessness levels significantly higher than the national average.

“Our five year Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan referenced our research into the issues faced by Clackmannanshire.

“The paper stated: Our analysis of the housing market within Clackmannanshire suggests that we have few levers to reduce the levels of homelessness within the area; the market is affordable and functional, but saturated...........In short, we believe a shortage of affordable housing, rather than issues regarding access to existing housing, is the biggest obstacle to reducing homelessness in Clackmannanshire.......It is our intention, therefore, to explore, with the Scottish Government, the acceleration of our affordable build program so as to deliver 540 new homes over the next 5 years rather the 319 planned."

He added: “Despite the high levels of homeless presentations, and the significant pressures this brings to services, Clackmannanshire's performance in the delivery of homeless services and tenancy sustainment is at, or above, average for most measures."

Anyone worried they may be at risk of homelessness can call Clacks CAB for support and advice by dialling 01259 219404.