Charities are demanding urgent action to prevent a “tragic” loss of lives, as updated figures reveal at least 139 people have died while homeless in Scotland over the last 18 months.
Edinburgh City Council has broken the law 466 times in the last year by placing homeless families in bed and breakfast accommodation for more than seven days.
Scotland's national records office says it will undertake a review that could see it count the deaths of homeless people for the first time.
Senior figures working in homelessness are calling on the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland to urgently investigate the deaths of those who are homeless.
Homeless people are often charged by local authorities for storing their personal belongings after they lose their accommodation.
Edinburgh's homeless system is reaching breaking point due to surging demand and a lack of housing. Meanwhile there's money to be made for private owners.
A family business running bed and breakfasts and hostels in Edinburgh that have attracted complaints has been paid £15m by the city council.
Local authorities across Scotland have paid out more than half a billion pounds putting homeless people in temporary accommodation in the last five years.
A homeless shelter for destitute refugees will have to stop accepting new guests as it is running at double capacity.
