Black people ‘disproportionately affected’ by Scotland’s housing emergency

New research by Shelter Scotland and The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) reveals how BPoC are 2.5 times more likely to be at risk of homelessness compared to White households.

Despite just making up 15% of homeless applications, BPoC make up 36% of those unlawfully refused temporary accommodation. BPoC also wait far longer in temporary accommodation for a permanent home.

Shelter Scotland and CRER warn that not enough is being done and are calling on the Scottish Government to commit to move beyond monitoring inequality and start tackling it.

The organisations stress that it cannot be “business as usual”, adding that the Scottish Government must require social landlords to implement an anti-racism policy, which should be evaluated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.

Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson said: “Black People and People of Colour in Scotland are at the sharp end of the housing emergency. This report shows just how deep-rooted systemic racism is in Scotland’s housing system which continues to disproportionately impact marginalised families across the country.

“This isn’t a new phenomenon; racial inequality is deeply entrenched in multiple aspects of life in Scotland. It’s a perfect storm – many are priced out of home ownership, stuck with soaring rents, living in overcrowded conditions, and 2.5x more likely experience homelessness as White households.

“We must be clear - this has not been created by immigration but by failing to engage with systemic racism within the housing system. Rolling back rights won’t solve homelessness- it will just put more people on the streets.

“Systemic racism in the housing system must be eradicated by all levels of government, and social landlords need to be part of the solution. The Scottish Government must move from measurement to action and require social landlords to implement an anti-racism policy.

“Ministers also need to commit to delivering at least 15,693 social homes each year over the next Parliament, targeting this where it is most needed. If this is not met, we must accept homelessness will continue to rise.”

Research and policy officer at CRER, Lucien Staddon Foster, said: “Black and minority ethnic households in Scotland are bearing the brunt of the housing emergency, yet policymakers continue to overlook and inadequately address this reality. This report demonstrates that the failure to consider the needs and experiences of BME groups is not due to a lack of evidence, but a lack of action.

“We know the problems and their causes; we need the Scottish Government, local authorities, and other duty bearers to take the strong and sustained action required to tackle racial inequality. Although the housing emergency affects everyone, its disproportionate impact on Black and minority ethnic communities means they have no time to wait.”