In a new briefing seen by Scottish government officials, the agency said people experiencing homelessness “may not have their human rights realised” and are among those facing “the greatest inequalities” in society.

The report found 18,092 households are currently living in temporary accommodation across Scotland, including 10,480 children – the highest figure recorded.

Officials said homelessness and health are “deeply interconnected”, warning that people without stable housing face significantly higher risks of physical and mental ill-health.

The average stay in temporary accommodation was found to be 280 days, rising to 386 days for households with children. Public Health Scotland said such arrangements were “often prolonged and unsettling”, reflecting growing strain on councils and the housing system.

The briefing also highlighted an estimated 231 deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Scotland in 2024, up 48 per cent from 2017. Around 49 per cent of those who died were under 45.

The agency said poverty remained “a key driver of homelessness” and called for earlier intervention through housing, employment, income support and health services.

“A human-rights-based approach requires fair resource allocation, services proportionate to need, meaningful community involvement, and strong accountability,” the report stated.