Homelessness workers in the north-east fear the oil and gas downturn and the UK Government’s recent welfare reforms are putting added strain on services.
Hundreds of North Sea workers have already been told they will lose their jobs in recent months – with thousands more facing an uncertain future.
Coupled with the welfare reforms announced by Chancellor George Osborne, groups are concerned that more people, particularly the young, could be pushed into homelessness.
Aberdeen Cyrenians say they are already experiencing an upsurge in inquiries from people working in the offshore service industry, such as catering companies.
Scott Baxter, deputy chief executive of the organisation, added: “We are seeing a small number of people who have been in a situation where they have been fairly high earning and lost their jobs but I think it’s fair to see we haven’t seen anything yet.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s homelessness and options team say it is “impossible” to know what impact the downturn and welfare changes – in particular the removal of housing benefit for younger claimants- will have.
Lorraine Stewart, team leader, said: “I think at the minute people are cushioned because there have been redundancy packages. And in terms of things like mortgage repossession that’s a process that takes some time.
“I’m hearing about the redundancies but I’m not seeing it through the door yet, but I think that will come.”
Aberdeen City Council has stressed there is “no evidence” the drop in oil price has had a direct impact on homeless presentations in the city.
Councillor Neil Cooney, communities, housing and infrastructure convener, said: “Our homelessness service has experienced an increase in presentations year-on-year of about 12%, but there are a number of factors involved and Aberdeen remains an attractive destination for economic migrants seeking work.
“The city council has a statutory duty to provide a range of services to people who are homeless or who are threatened with homelessness and this is an area that we will continue to monitor closely.”