By Dave Lord

DESPITE INNOVATIVE efforts to tackle homelessness in Perth and Kinross the local authority is “fighting a losing battle,” a local councillor has claimed.

The sombre warning came as elected members heard that numerous local families with young children were being housed in “totally unsuitable” B&B accommodation.

Almost 1000 people presented as homeless in Perth and Kinross over the last year and the council has admitted it is struggling to cope.

Under plans given the green light yesterday councillors agreed that suitable properties should be leased from private landlords in a bid to alleviate the chronic shortfall.

However, some elected members fear it could be a case of spitting into the wind.

“The newest figures show there has been an increase of 60 presentations this year as compared to last,” said Councillor Mac Roberts.

“That equates to 600 per decade so we are fighting a losing battle.”

Councillor Heather Stewart said urgent steps should be taken to ensure vulnerable youngsters are not placed in bed and breakfast accommodation.

“There is no doubt that homelessness is a growing issue in Perth and Kinross,” she said.

“Bed and breakfast is no place for families with young children—it is totally unsuitable.”

Councillor Willie Wilson insisted the new proposals should be welcomed as an innovative way of trying to tackle the crisis head-on.

“This is a key issue that needs to be addressed and this scheme is very welcome,” he said.

“Bed and breakfast is the least appropriate accommodation that can be provided so the plan is commendable.”

The executive director of Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and community care department Dave Roberts said the most recently available figures revealed that 75 homeless households had been placed into bed and breakfasts, 22 of which comprised families with dependent children.

“We do all we can to minimise the disruption this causes,” he said.

Mr Roberts admitted the situation was far from ideal but hoped the new scheme would go at least some way to alleviating local problems.

It is proposed that the council will initially negotiate direct with private landlords to lease up to 80 properties, all on three to five-year contracts.

Council chiefs stress they will only consider high-standard properties that meet strict legal and safety criteria.