By Dave Lord

RADICAL ATTEMPTS to slash spiralling homelessness budgets in Perth and Kinross will see the local authority attempting to lease property from private landlords.

A “chronic shortage” of temporary accommodation coupled with the massive costs associated with placing the homeless in expensive bed and breakfasts is forcing the move.

Councillors on the housing and health committee will be told there have been significant budget overspends in recent years and that urgent action is required.

A report by the council’s executive director of housing and community care, Dave Roberts, says the status quo is simply not an option.

“Early action is required to obtain additional temporary accommodation for homeless applicants,” he said. “This will have to bring into play additional property from outwith the existing social rented sector. It is recommended that the council opt for a model of private sector leasing.”

As well as inviting interest from private landlords, Mr Roberts is suggesting that £110,000 be spent on council-owned property at 105-111 Dunkeld Road to bring it up to “letting standard” for the homeless.

He also recommends that a further £1.2 million be spent on acquiring up to 10 properties from the “open market”.

“The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires all local authorities to develop a homelessness strategy,” said a council spokesman.

“It entitles all homelessness applicants to temporary accommodation. Previously, only those applicants who were deemed to be in priority need were entitled to this kind of accommodation.

“This change has resulted in a huge increase in demand for temporary accommodation, and the council now needs to increase its stock in order to fulfil legislative duties.”

Extra strain has also been placed on accommodation resources by new regulations which outlaw the use of bed and breakfasts for longer than 14 days for households with children and pregnant women.

Mr Roberts is proposing that 200 units be leased from the private sector for use as temporary homeless accommodation.

Councillor Gordon Hunter, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and health committee, is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead and admits meeting the Scottish Executive’s stated aims will be tough.

“The impact of homeless legislation is considerable,” he said.

“As I have said on many occasions Perth and Kinross Council and all its councillors believe that the Executive’s target of eradication of homelessness by 2012 is laudable. However it has put our stock and our tenants under strain.

“That said, the council will do everything it possibly can to work toward that target. These plans are not a cure-all, but we will keep looking for solutions rather than dwelling on the problems.”