Evictions from social housing in Scotland increased significantly during the 2024-25 period, according to newly released government data. Local councils and housing associations secured 676 evictions over the year, marking a 20 percent rise from the previous year. The majority of these cases, 94 percent, were due to rent arrears, compared to 91 percent in 2023-24. Those affected include both individuals and families with children.

Homelessness advocates expressed concern over the rising eviction figures, urging the Scottish Government to implement more robust measures to address the issue. Sean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants Organisation, described the situation as a worsening housing crisis and criticized the government’s response. Clerkin emphasized the financial implications, noting that evicting tenants often leads to costly rehousing in temporary accommodation, averaging around £28,000 per person.

Barbara Welsh, a representative from the Living Rent union, warned that evictions would exacerbate homelessness and further strain Scotland’s housing system, especially amid the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. She highlighted that the situation is likely to deteriorate unless more effective interventions are introduced.

The rising eviction rates come in the context of a declared national housing emergency by the Scottish Government in 2024. Presently, over 18,000 households, including 10,480 children, are recorded as homeless across the country. Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae of Shelter Scotland called for stronger protections, stating that no one should face eviction from social housing.

In response, a Scottish Government spokesperson emphasized that eviction for rent arrears should be considered a last resort. The government requires landlords to offer tenants opportunities to access debt management support and to negotiate affordable repayment plans before proceeding with eviction. The figures cited do not include evictions carried out by private landlords, indicating the broader scope of housing insecurity beyond social housing.