MORE than a third of people in Scotland fear they could lose their home over the next three years as the cost-of-living crisis deepens, according to a new poll.

The survey carried out for Everyone Home collective — a group of more than 40 organisations working around housing and homelessness — found that 35 per cent of its 1,000 respondents feared joining the ranks of 17,000 households languishing in temporary accommodation in Scotland — a rate that rises to a staggering 49 per cent for respondents between 18 and 24. 

Just days before the Holyrood elections, respondents also made clear it was a political priority, with 61 per cent stating they were more likely “to vote for a political party that prioritises reducing homelessness more effectively in the next five years.”

Chief executive of Homeless Network Scotland, convenors of Everyone Home, Margaret-Ann Brunjes said: “Voters are sending an unmistakable message: homelessness and housing must be treated as urgent national priorities.

“While these issues are appearing in party manifestos, the level of ambition shown so far falls short of the radical action this emergency demands.

“We know what works. Prevention, early intervention and joined-up services can stop homelessness before it starts — but only if they are properly funded and delivered.

Scotland’s largest tenants’ union, Living Rent, Cameron Beattie told the Star: “The fear of losing our homes and becoming homeless is never far from any tenant’s mind. 

“Most of us have been forced out of our flats or communities because landlords increased the rent or evicted us, and we know far too well the paralysing, debilitating impact this has on the rest of our lives. 

“The cost-of-living crisis never went away for tenants. It has been sucking the money from our pockets leaving tenants struggling to put food on the table, let alone pay rent.

“It is no surprise that half of all young people worry about losing their home. The ability to have a stable job, a secure home and afford luxuries is a pipe dream for most people.

“The next government needs to go further than the rent controls set to come in two years. 

“Tenants are struggling now, and if the next government is serious about combating poverty, it needs to freeze rents and amend the housing Bill to bring rents down.”