Eviction rates fall
Published 3 Feb 2012 09:30
THE number of tenants evicted from their homes has seen a massive reduction.
West Dunbartonshire has had a 69 per cent fall in evictions over the last four years, since homeless charity Shelter Scotland started publishing its annual analysis of figures.
Last year, nine people were evicted from their homes - which is an 18 per cent drop on 2010's figure.
The results have been welcomed by Shelter Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council and a support centre as they all work at making eviction a last resort in dealing with those who are struggling to pay their bills.
Graeme Brown, Shelter Scotland director, said: "It's great news that evictions in West Dunbartonshire are down by 18 per cent and that over the last four years they have been cut by 69 per cent.
"We have been campaigning to make eviction the last resort for social landlords and these figures show the council is responding to our concerns.
"We congratulate West Dunbartonshire Council for the major progress it has made in reducing evictions."
Graeme added: "At a time when cuts are hitting home and more people are struggling with household budgets, our analysis of the last four years shows that evictions have nearly halved across Scotland.
"This shows that by working closely with tenants to find a solution, social landlords can reduce arrears and ensure eviction truly is a last resort."
Danny McCafferty, of the Independent Resource Centre in Dalmuir, welcomed the figures.
He said: "It's a positive thing that eviction is being seen as a last result.
"That is eviction on the grounds of having an inability to pay through not having a high enough income.
"I'm glad we are recognising putting people out on the street won't solve a problem, it just increases poverty."
A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson added: "West Dunbartonshire Council welcomes Shelter's very positive response to the significant reduction in eviction actions over the last four years.
"This reduction reflects the very positive partnership working arrangements that are in place across both a number of Council departments and other agencies.
"This multi-agency approach allows households in crisis to be identified at an early stage and ensures that appropriate support is put in place to prevent homelessness."
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
