LESS than half of single homeless people in Scotland are found a home when they ask for help, a charity report revealed today.

New figures released by homelessness charity Crisis show how 53 per cent of adults without dependents are not given accommodation when in need.

The shocking stats came despite Scotland’s commitment to ending homelessness having removed priority distinctions from homelessness lists.

Crisis Scotland director Ann Landels said: “All homeless people in Scotland are now entitled to accommodation, providing they are unintentionally homeless.

“But this research shows there are still challenges to be faced.

“We are calling for an overarching review of how homelessness support in Scotland is working, to make sure that the ambition of our legislation is matched by the ambition of our practice.”

The group’s research also found that 66 per cent of families were found homes to move into by councils across Scotland.

It adds that single homeless people get varied degrees of help from local authorities, with some areas registering high levels of reoccurring homelessness.

Peter Mackie, who compiled the report for the charity, said: “The assistance offered to single homeless people in Scotland is exceptional when compared to other developed nations and we must recognise this.

“However, this study shows that efforts to prevent homelessness are highly inconsistent and many single homeless people are not finding a home when they seek local authority assistance.

“We must look carefully at the services offered by local authorities if we really wish to meet the needs of single homeless people.”