More than 240 people died while homeless in Scotland last year

More than 240 homeless people died in Scotland last year, figures have revealed.

National Records of Scotland (NRS) said an estimated 242 people died in 2023, just two less than the 244 who died in 2022.

The figures also revealed an increase in drug deaths while homeless, rising from 89 to 100 in 2023.

Drug misuse accounted for 41% of all estimated deaths while homeless last year.

The majority (79%) of those who died were male, with 21% female.

Deaths due to drug misuse while homeless are also on the rise, figures show. iStock

Figures also revealed 56% of homeless deaths were classed as “external causes” which includes most drug misuse deaths, accidents, suicide, and assault.

In comparison, 6% of all deaths in 2023 were due to external causes.

The figures include people in temporary accommodation such as flats, houses, hotels and B&Bs as well as those who were experiencing street homelessness at the time of their death.

The NRS figures come from a report classed as Official Statistics in Development because they use a new and evolving methodology which has not yet been assessed against the rigorous quality standards of Accredited Official Statistics.

Beth Watson, senior assistant statistician at NRS, said: “Our estimate shows the number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2023 is similar to the level in 2022. Homeless deaths are at a higher level now compared to the 164 deaths in 2017, when these statistics were first collected.

“Half of homeless deaths in 2023 were people aged under 45, with the most common age group for both female and male deaths being 35 to 44.”

The Scottish Government said it is investing in projects to end homelessness. STV News

The Scottish Government said it was investing funding to prevent and end homelessness.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “Every premature and preventable death is a tragedy and I send my deepest condolences to those affected by the loss of friends or family who were homeless.

“Scotland already has the strongest rights in the UK for people experiencing homelessness, but we are committed to ensuring that no one need become homeless in the first place.

McLennan said the Scottish Government was investing nearly £600m this year in affordable homes.

“The Housing (Scotland) Bill, which is currently at stage 1, will place a stronger emphasis on homelessness prevention based on better coordination across services and providing support earlier,” he said.

“This will help people avoid the crisis of homelessness and the longer term harms associated with it.”