There has been an increase in homeless deaths in Glasgow last year.

Latest statistics show there were 40 identified homeless deaths and 48 estimated deaths in the city in 2020.

The year before it was 31 identified and 39 estimated deaths.

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The 2020 deaths took place when dozens of homeless people were taken off the streets and housed in hotels during the Covid pandemic lockdown, from March onwards.

Nine people died in one hotel, the Alexander Thomson, in the city centre.

Across Scotland there was also an increase in deaths among homeless people.

The estimated deaths increased from 216 to 256 and identified deaths from 173 to 215.

More than half were drug related deaths with 151 deaths (59%) also identified as a drug related death.

Deaths in Scotland have increased for the last four years at the same time as drug related deaths have repeatedly reached record levels.

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Campaigners said the deaths are shocking and avoidable.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “It’s shocking that even more people died while experiencing homelessness last year. Behind every one of these statistics is a real person, with friends and families. They formed a part of our communities and they will be missed.

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“Homelessness is an injustice, but it is also a public health emergency. Far too many lives have been cut short and many of these deaths will have been avoidable. That is unacceptable.

Sean Clerkin of the Scottish Tenants association said: “More than 40 homeless people died in Glasgow in 2020 despite the fact that they were taken off the streets and placed in hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation to protect them from COVID-19.

“It is clear that 71 percent of homeless deaths in Scotland were due to drugs, alcohol and suicide which means that homeless people never got access to joined up services in mental health care, drugs and alcohol recovery. The Scottish Government has to take full responsibility for this calamity.”