THE Scottish government’s multimillion-pound funding scheme to tackle homelessness is a mere “drop in the ocean,” opposition MSPs said yesterday, warning that much more was needed.

The government has confirmed that £8 million would be given to councils’ rehousing schemes in each of the next two years, taking total investment in homelessness rehousing to £53.5m between 2019 and 2024.

The funding follows proposals for public organisations to be given a legal duty to prevent homelessness, as the number of families in temporary accommodation hits a 10-year high. 

But Labour MSPs warned yesterday the investment was not enough for homeless individuals across Scotland. 

Mark Griffin said: “On average a couple with a child stays in temporary accommodation for 341 days, but in some parts of Scotland it is as many as 865 days.  

“That is more than two years without a home to call your own and has been getting worse year on year — long before the pandemic.

“This money is welcome but it’s a drop in the ocean when it comes to the action and ambition needed.”