Almost 28,000 homes empty while thousands live in temporary housing, data shows

There are almost 28,000 homes deemed vacant by councils across Scotland, according to data obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Figures provided by Scotland’s 32 councils following a freedom of information request by the party show there are 27,954 long-term vacant properties – defined as homes which have been empty for longer than six months.

They include 3,093 in Edinburgh and 2,802 in Glasgow.

The Lib Dems said the figures come after it was revealed there are more than 10,000 children living in temporary accommodation in Scotland.

Lib Dem housing spokesman Paul McGarry said: “Under the SNP, there has been a massive failure to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis.

“Tens of thousands of homes are lying empty all while the number of people sleeping rough and moving between temporary accommodation shoots up to record levels. That is just palpably wrong.

“The SNP have made things worse by taking an axe to the housing budget and failing to build the thousands of homes they promised for social rent.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats want to bring thousands of empty homes back into use, maximising existing buildings and stock, as well as building more homes and re-establishing social rent as a viable, long-term option.”

Earlier this year, the Government-funded Scottish Empty Homes Partnership said it had brought almost 11,000 homes back into use over the last 15 years.

The Scottish Government has been asked for comment.