Proposals from the Moray Council that aim to end homelessness and rough sleeping in the region have been approved.
The local authority’s rapid rehousing transition plan will transform the use of temporary accommodation and is aiming to end homelessness in Moray over the next five years.
Some of the steps detailed in the proposals include increasing the overall supply of social housing re-lets, especially one-bedroom properties.
It comes as homelessness figures in Moray show a high proportion of single person households and the greatest pressure on housing stock on one and four-bedroom properties.
Other actions include reducing the use of B&B, private sector and hostel accommodation, and use of an extra 38 council properties for temporary accommodation in appropriate locations.
In the initial phase of this plan, homeless families with children will be prioritised for re-housing, to minimise the time children spend in insecure housing.
Chairwoman of Moray Council’s communities committee, Louise Laing, supports the initial plan being put forward to the Scottish Government.
“At least 8% of the Scottish population has experienced homelessness at some point in their lives and although Moray doesn’t experience the same levels of rough sleeping as the big cities, it’s our responsibility to be proactive and take action to end this in Moray – I’m confident that this plan sets out the way for us here in Moray to do just that.”