THE number of homeless deaths in Ayrshire has been revealed in new statistics.

The figures from National Records of Scotland, show the death rate of homeless people in 2023 in East, South, and North Ayrshire was 51.1, 28.1, and 81.1 deaths per million population aged 15 to 74 respectively.

Over the last five years, there have been 30 identified deaths and 36 estimated deaths in South Ayrshire, with 18 identified deaths and 22 estimated deaths in East Ayrshire.

Meanwhile in North Ayrshire, from 2019 until 2023 there were 35 identified deaths of homeless people and 41 estimated deaths.

Across Scotland, an estimated 242 people died while homeless last year, a similar figure to the 244 recorded in 2022.

The number of deaths from drug misuse among the homeless rose from 89 to 100, accounting for 41 per cent of all estimated deaths.

Beth Watson, senior assistant statistician, said: "Our estimate shows the number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2023 is similar to the level in 2022.

"Homeless deaths are at a higher level now compared to the 164 deaths in 2017, when these statistics were first collected.

"Half of homeless deaths in 2023 were people aged under 45, with the most common age group for both female and male deaths being 35 to 44."

Males accounted for 79 per cent of these deaths.

Most of the homeless deaths (56 per cent) were due to 'external causes', including drug misuse, accidents, suicide, and assault.

This is in stark contrast to the six per cent of all deaths in 2023 attributed to external causes.

The figures include those in temporary accommodation, as well as those experiencing street homelessness at the time of death.

Debbie Horne, Scotland policy and public affairs manager at national charity Independent Age, said: “It is a social injustice and a human tragedy that the estimated number of older people who died while homeless in 2023 has risen to 19. 

 “Every person’s death while homeless highlights that more must be done to make sure that no older person is faced with homelessness in the first place.  

“All renters in Scotland, including those in later life, need to see the Housing (Scotland) Bill progress as soon as possible. The Bill provides much of what renters need to see, including homelessness prevention measures which will help address the housing crisis."