Drug-Related Fatalities Among Homeless Individuals Rise in Scotland

New data indicates that 242 individuals died in Scotland last year while experiencing homelessness. A report from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) stated that the total number of homeless deaths in 2023 saw a slight reduction compared to the preceding year, yet it remained above pre-pandemic levels. However, fatalities attributed to drug misuse increased from 89 to 100, now constituting two-fifths of all estimated deaths among homeless individuals in Scotland. These figures encompass individuals residing in temporary accommodation, such as flats, hotels, and B&Bs, at the time of their death, alongside those sleeping rough on the street. The data revealed that males comprised nearly four-fifths (79%) of homeless deaths, and half of the deceased were younger than 45 years old. Glasgow City Council and City of Edinburgh Council recorded the highest rates of homeless deaths per million residents. An estimated 56 homeless individuals died in Glasgow, and 49 in Edinburgh. Conversely, Perth and Kinross and the Orkney Islands were estimated to have experienced no homeless deaths during the past year. Statisticians from the NRS clarified that the figures for homeless deaths represent an estimate derived from a consistent annual methodology. They stated, “identifying whether a person was homeless when they died is not straightforward using the information recorded at death registration.” No direct query regarding homelessness status at the time of death is present on death certificates. Therefore, the data relies on factors such as place of residence, place of death, hospital death records, registrar notes, and institution codes to ascertain if an individual was homeless when they died. The NRS reported that 210 individuals experiencing homelessness were definitively identified as having died in 2023. However, the total number of homeless deaths in Scotland could be as high as 259, accounting for unregistered deaths potentially overlooked during data compilation. The report indicated that estimated homeless deaths in other regions of the UK are not directly comparable to those in Scotland. Beth Watson, a senior assistant statistician at the NRS, commented: “Our estimate shows the number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2023 is similar to the level in 2022. “Homeless deaths are at a higher level now compared to the 164 deaths in 2017, when these statistics were first collected.” Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, a charitable organization committed to eradicating homelessness, asserted that these statistics ought to serve as a “wake-up call.” He stated, “The sad truth is that in many cases, these deaths will have been avoidable.” He added, “Each year, more people are forced into homelessness, often trapped for long periods in emergency accommodation. We know how much damage that can do to your health.“We urgently need the Scottish government and opposition to press on with plans to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place.”” Paul McLennan, the Scottish government’s housing minister, commented: “Every premature and preventable death is a tragedy and I send my deepest condolences to those affected by the loss of friends or family who were homeless.” He further stated, “Scotland already has the strongest rights in the UK for people experiencing homelessness, but we are committed to ensuring that no-one need become homeless in the first place.” This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.