THE number of people who died while homeless rose to more than 200 in 2019, according to new figures.

Experimental statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) estimate that 216 people died that year, an increase of 11% on the estimate of 195 in 2018.

The average age of death in 2019 was 43 years old for men and 39 for women. More than half of homeless deaths (54%) were drug-related.

Almost three quarters (73%) of deaths among people experiencing homelessness were male (157) and 27% were female (59).

Scotland had the highest homeless death rate when compared to England and Wales in 2019 with a rate of 52.2 per million population aged between 15-74 compared to 18 in England and 14.3 in Wales.

Julie Ramsay, NRS head of vital events, said: “We worked with Office for National Statistics (ONS) to develop this methodology to provide estimates. While these statistics help our understanding of this issue, it’s important to understand these figures are currently experimental and the methodology is under development.

“These estimates do provide context and show that homeless deaths have increased for the second consecutive year, with an 11% increase on the estimate in 2018.”

In 2019, the local authorities with the highest homeless death rates per million population aged 15-74 were Inverclyde (213.2), South Ayrshire (120.3) and North Ayrshire (111.8).

NRS said the Western Isles also had a high rate (191.4) but as this was based on a small number of identified deaths, the result should be treated with caution.

The figures include people in temporary accommodation and rough sleepers as well.

NRS said that as the statistics are experimental, they are in the testing phase and not yet fully developed, and will remain experimental statistics for a period of evaluation.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Each one of these deaths is a tragedy, representing some of the most vulnerable people in our society. While this report is based on experimental statistics, its findings will help the Scottish Government to further understand the many issues affecting the most vulnerable in our society as we redouble our efforts to eradicate homelessness.

“Ending homelessness once and for all is a priority for the Scottish Government. We have some of the strongest rights in the world for people experiencing homelessness, and everyone who is threatened with homelessness is entitled to help from their local authority to secure a stable home.”

Stewart added that the Scottish Government is investing £32.5 million of its £50m Ending Homelessness Together Fund to help local authorities prioritise settled accommodation for all, while its Winter Plan for Social Protection Fund, announced in November last year, added another £5m to accelerate this work.