The number of unresolved homelessness cases in Renfrewshire has risen by 40% since April 2025, with 358 households living in temporary accommodation.
Renfrewshire Council had 599 open cases at the end of September 2026. These involve homeless applicants whose cases are being progressed but who have not yet secured settled accommodation.
A report outlining the pressures will go before the council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board on Tuesday, 27th October 2026.
Officers say the number of open cases is increasing because new applications each year are exceeding the number of cases being closed.
The report states: “The impact of this demand pressure is being felt across homeless services, housing providers and support providers, and we are particularly experiencing a significant increase in the number of households staying in temporary accommodation”.
The council increased its supply of temporary furnished properties from 303 to 321 between April and September.
Officers are also exploring an initiative to use properties in the private rented sector as temporary accommodation.
The report highlights early progress on the Homelessness Action Plan for Renfrewshire 2026–2028, which the board approved in May.
Scotland’s Housing Network has been commissioned to review the plan with partners, including local housing associations and the health and social care partnership.
Demand for housing support has also increased. The council’s Housing Support Team is receiving an average of 133 new referrals a month, up 14% on last year.
The team helps people with issues including moving into a tenancy, accessing benefits and receiving support through Housing First.
There are currently 103 people supported through the Housing First approach.
An independent review by Homeless Network Scotland in August gave a positive assessment of the service. It highlighted the council’s use of support before people become homeless, helping them sustain their tenancies.
The review also recognised the flexibility of allowing people to step away from support and return when they need further help.
A review of the first six months of the homelessness action plan will be presented to the board in January 2027.
A separate report will compare Renfrewshire’s homelessness figures with those of other Scottish councils.