Ministers were accused of having "failed to get to grips" with Scotland's housing emergency , as new figures revealed councils forked out more than £100 million last year on B&B and hostel accommodation for homeless people. ‌

Labour said an "explosion" in the use of bed and breakfasts and hostels had seen spending by local authorities soar by 128% over four years. Data released by councils under Freedom of Information revealed councils spent £100,393,775.14 on such accommodation in 2024-25. ‌

This total compares to a bill for hostels and B&B accommodation of £44,048,374.94 in 2020-21. Scottish Government figures meanwhile showed that the number of households in temporary accommodation rose by 6% over the year to September 30 2024, when the total reached 16,634. ‌

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