South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth is making a plea for this to be the last Christmas period where children are forced to live in temporary accommodation.

The latest government figures, up to and including March 2021, show that there were 55 households with children or a pregnant woman in temporary accommodation in South Ayrshire.

Across Scotland, the number of families in temporary accommodation has hit a 10 year high, with latest figures suggesting 3,645 families are in temporary accommodation.

The length of time people are spending stranded in temporary accommodation is also rising nation-wide. Since its low point in 2014, this figure has increased by an astonishing 47 per cent.

Colin Smyth said: “It is a scandal that so many children across our area will be stuck in temporary accommodation over the festive period. Here in the South of Scotland there are dozens of families in temporary accommodation.

“It is simply unacceptable.

“Leaving so many children in limbo for months on end will have a devastating impact on their wellbeing, attainment and life chances.

“Families must have the safe and secure housing they need.”