The project will turn a vacant building in Hamilton into 15 temporary ‘First Stop’ housing units, meaning fewer people will be put up in expensive and unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation.

Davie McLachlan, the council’s Chair of Housing and Technical Resources, said: “It is 12 months since South Lanarkshire Council declared a housing emergency in response to growing pressures across Scotland, linked to the cost-of-living crisis, the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and issues with private sector supply of homes.

“Between 2020 and 2023 the backlog of households requiring urgent housing more than doubled, and there was a 38% increase in the number of people recorded as homeless by the council.

“While our Temporary Accommodation Strategic Plan makes it clear we want to place people in ordinary homes in our communities – self-contained, furnished properties - increasingly we have had to look at other forms of temporary accommodation, including B&Bs.

“By increasing our First Stop provision, we will save on B&B costs and ensure people who need temporary help are placed in a more appropriate and supportive environment.”

The Executive Committee agreed today that the council-owned, former Beckford Street Business Centre in Hamilton should be converted to add to current First Stop provision, with repairs and one-off set up costs estimated at just over £1 million.

In 2024-25 the council spent £147,000 on bed and breakfast provision – more than five times the amount budgeted for that use.