Several homeless people in Edinburgh have been sent to other cities, including Aberdeen and Glasgow, to make room for tourists during Taylor Swift’s three-night concert in the city. Some individuals have been offered temporary accommodation as far away as Newcastle as a result of a shortage in housing. Housing charity, Shelter Scotland, has called the situation an “injustice” and “blatant” example of homeless people “in direct competition” with tourists. Edinburgh City Council has said it is working to find alternative accommodation for those affected by the move.
There are legal obligations in Scotland to offer emergency temporary accommodation to those declared homeless, which can include hotels. Edinburgh City Council announced a housing emergency last November due to high rates of homelessness, a shortfall in social rented homes and increasing private rental fees. The decision to place homeless households in tourist accommodation is, according to the council, a symptom of the housing crisis. Earlier this month, the Scottish government also declared a national housing emergency.
Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson explained that the situation in Edinburgh was proof that housing was an emergency issue in the country. Watson added that action was necessary from the Scottish government or similar situations were likely to occur during the city’s Fringe Festival in August. The council dismissed claims that temporary tenants were being moved to make way for Taylor Swift fans, although city councillor Jane Meagher acknowledged that the issue demonstrated a consequence of the city’s housing emergency.
Alexander, who has been homeless for four months, explained to BBC Scotland News that he was afraid he would be sleeping on the streets during the concerts. The 20-year-old is receiving temporary housing but must leave on Friday and apply for homelessness service from the council again. “It’s going to be near impossible to get accommodation because everything is booked or they’ve upped their prices,” he said
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