Reduction in households in temporary accommodation and improved housing outcomes
At today’s Housing & Property Committee (Wednesday 28 January 2026), The Highland Council reported a strong performance across several key housing indicators, including a reduction in households in temporary accommodation, improved repairs times, and the lowest level of rent arrears in three years.
New figures show that the number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation has fallen to 421, the lowest level recorded since The Scottish Government introduced this measure in April 2016. The Council continues to prioritise helping households move into permanent homes as quickly as possible.
The Council has also achieved its lowest rent arrears levels since 2022/23. This improvement comes despite increased rental income and a growing number of tenancies. Robust case management, early intervention, and close partnership working with the Council’s Welfare Team and organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau continue to be central to supporting tenants and preventing arrears.
Housing & Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell-Sinclair said: “Supporting our tenants and improving the quality of our housing services remains a top priority as we continue to progress the Highland Housing Challenge. These encouraging performance results reflect the hard work and dedication of our local Housing teams, welfare services, and our partners. Their commitment is making a real difference, reducing homelessness, helping tenants, and ensuring repairs are delivered quickly and effectively. The Council will continue to build on this momentum to deliver even better outcomes for communities across the Highlands.
“Members represent our constituents and are acutely aware and recognise the very real pressures people are facing. Rising homelessness remains a significant concern, particularly when demand continues to far exceed the homes available. That is why the reduction in the number of households living in temporary accommodation - now at its lowest level since 2016, is especially meaningful. It demonstrates the Council’s determination to support those in greatest need and our ongoing commitment to tackling the challenges facing housing in the Highlands.”
Performance in housing repairs has also continued to strengthen. The average time taken to complete emergency repairs now sits at 4.2 hours, significantly outperforming the target of completing these repairs within 12 hours. Nonemergency repairs are also performing well, with average waiting times of 6–8 days, ahead of the Scottish Housing Network benchmark of 9.1 days.
The full performance report can be found here (agenda item 13).