Today, the Scottish Government have released experimental statistics on the number of deaths of people experiencing homelessness in Scotland for the first time. The data showed:

• Scotland had the highest rate of homeless deaths of all GB countries in 2018 with a rate of 35.9 per million population compared to 16.8 in England and 14.5 in Wales
• A total of 359 people died whilst experiencing homelessness across 2017 and 2018
• 164 estimated deaths of people experiencing homelessness in 2017
• 195 estimate deaths of people experiencing homelessness in 2018
• There was an increase in deaths of 19% between 2017 and 2018 

Grant Campbell, Director of Crisis Scotland, said:  

“For the first time, we can see the true, devastating scale of the number of people who have died without a place to call home, because of failings within the very system which should have prevented them from falling into poverty and homelessness in the first place. Behind these figures are human beings - mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. 

“Every death must be fully investigated so that we can learn from the failings which caused someone to die without a home. We’re pleased to see commitments from Scottish Government towards ending homelessness, such as the push towards providing long-term homes and wrap around support for those with complex needs, as well as doing more to help people from losing their homes in the first place. Despite this, we still have the highest rates of homeless deaths in Great Britain. This is a damning and urgent reminder that we need to do so much more to support some of our most vulnerable citizens.”