PLANS to tackle homelessness in East Renfrewshire could see the introduction of a rapid rehousing scheme.

The approach would aim to give people a settled home as quickly as possible, reducing the amount of time spent in temporary accommodation.

Four priorities have been identified in the plan, including an increased focus on early intervention and prevention work, a review of how support is provided and an assessment of temporary accommodation supply.

READ MORE: Think ahead as ‘important’ M8 roadworks begin​

It would also involve exploring the introduction of a pilot scheme to support people with complex needs.

Cabinet members on East Renfrewshire Council will be asked to approve the plan, for 2019 to 2024, at a meeting on May 2.

A report by the council’s director of environment, Andrew Cahill, states: “Rapid rehousing is about taking a housing-led approach for rehousing people that have experienced homelessness, making sure they reach a settled housing option as quickly as possible, rather than staying in temporary accommodation for too long.

“The levels of rough sleeping and homelessness are low in East Renfrewshire in comparison to other authorities. However, there are a small number of households with complex needs such as mental health or drug and alcohol abuse, who have a significant history of repeat homelessness. The aim of the rapid rehousing transition plan in East Renfrewshire is to ensure resources are designed and managed to address issues that lead to repeat homelessness.

READ MORE: Dad’s relief as massive fundraising drive brings daughter home​

“Furthermore, the issues around households with complex needs and repeat homelessness have an impact on local communities through an increase in anti-social or criminal behaviour.”

In 2017/18, there were 328 homeless applications in East Renfrewshire, with the council having a duty to find accommodation for 251 of these.

As of March 31, 126 cases were open. Of the 251, a total of 180 were housed in the social sector and 10 in the private rented sector.

Household dispute is the most common reason cited in homeless applications, at 33 per cent.

The Scottish Government set up the Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Action Group in October 2017 to produce short and long-term solutions to end homelessness.

It recommends all councils adopt a rapid rehousing approach.