The number of households living in temporary accommodation across the Highlands has fallen to its lowest level in almost a decade, as new figures point to improving outcomes in housing and homelessness services.
At a meeting of the Housing and Property Committee, The Highland Council reported progress across several key indicators, including reduced use of temporary accommodation, faster repairs, and the lowest level of rent arrears in three years.
Latest figures show 421 homeless households are currently living in temporary accommodation, the lowest number recorded since the Scottish Government introduced this measure in 2016.
The Council says it continues to prioritise helping people move into permanent homes as quickly as possible, with a focus on prevention, early intervention and sustained tenancy support.
Alongside this, rent arrears have fallen to their lowest level since 2022 to 2023, despite rising rental income and a growing number of tenancies across the region.
The improvement has been credited to robust case management, early engagement with tenants, and close partnership working with welfare services and organisations such as Citizens Advice.
Housing and Property Committee Chair Glynis Campbell-Sinclair said the figures reflect sustained effort across frontline teams.
“Supporting our tenants and improving the quality of our housing services remains a top priority as we continue to progress the Highland Housing Challenge.
“These encouraging performance results reflect the hard work and dedication of our local Housing teams, welfare services, and our partners.”
She said the commitment of staff and partners is making a tangible difference by reducing homelessness, supporting tenants, and ensuring repairs are delivered quickly and effectively.
“The Council will continue to build on this momentum to deliver even better outcomes for communities across the Highlands.
“Members represent our constituents and are acutely aware and recognise the very real pressures people are facing.
“Rising homelessness remains a significant concern, particularly when demand continues to far exceed the homes available.”
She described the reduction in temporary accommodation as especially significant given the wider pressures facing housing services.
“That is why the reduction in the number of households living in temporary accommodation, now at its lowest level since 2016, is especially meaningful.
“It demonstrates the Council’s determination to support those in greatest need and our ongoing commitment to tackling the challenges facing housing in the Highlands.”
Performance in housing repairs has also continued to improve, with emergency repairs now completed on average within 4.2 hours, well ahead of the 12 hour target.
Non emergency repairs are also being delivered faster, with average waiting times of six to eight days, outperforming the Scottish Housing Network benchmark of 9.1 days.
The Council says the results show that sustained focus, partnership working and early support can deliver meaningful improvements, even in the face of ongoing housing pressures across the Highlands.
