ACTION is being taken to ensure fewer people in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire find themselves on the streets.

Homelessness in Scotland is predicted to rise by more than 50 per cent in the next 25 years, according to new research.

If current economic policies continue unchanged, the number of rough sleepers is expected to nearly double in that time from 800 to 1,500.

And, in the shorter term, the number of people in unsuitable temporary accommodation is forecast to rise by a third in the next decade.

Research by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh for homelessness charity Crisis states there are currently 11,800 people across Scotland either sleeping rough, staying in hostels, living in unsuitable temporary accommodation, sofa-surfing, sleeping in cars or staying in squats or refuges.

Analysis indicates this figure is expected to rise to 12,200 by 2021 before accelerating to 18,100 – a hike of 53 per cent on current levels – in 2041.

However, East Renfrewshire Council is planning to build more than 100 homes in the next five years to help tackle the problem of homelessness.

A spokesperson said: “Over the last five years, between 300 and 350 people each year have presented as homeless in East Renfrewshire.

“We have a duty to provide temporary accommodation to any resident presenting as homeless, before a decision is made on what future accommodation is offered.

“Our strategy and focus for homelessness is prevention, so we provide residents with a comprehensive service to consider all their housing options and reduce homelessness before it occurs.

“In addition, we offer various advice and information services to households who are at risk of homelessness or are in financial difficulty.

“We are also committed to building 120 new council houses over the next five years, along with continuing to assist on the provision of affordable housing on new housing developments across the authority.”

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said the number of homeless households in that area has dropped from 976 in 2010/11 to 618 in 2016/17.

She added: “Whilst an increase has not become apparent in Renfrewshire, we closely monitor national issues such as this and work with our partners who provide services in Renfrewshire for those in housing need, such as Shelter Scotland, Blue Triangle Housing Association and Turning Point Scotland.

“We deploy a range of resources towards homeless prevention activity, including family mediation, housing options advice and enhanced housing support.

“The provision of assistance and early intervention has helped to effectively tackle and prevent homelessness in recent years.”

“Our Local Housing Strategy covering 2016 to 2021 has a target of 200 new affordable homes being provided each year of the right size, type and tenure and in the right locations to meet current and future needs.”