HOMELESS deaths in Inverclyde have halved in the space of a year, according to new figures.

The National Records of Scotland published its latest research into homeless deaths across the country, detailing the estimated death rate per million population aged 15-74 in each local authority.

Inverclyde’s rate has fallen from 39.1 in 2022 to 19.5 in 2023 – below the national average of 58.3.

This represents a continuing downward trend, with the area having previously ranked second-highest in Scotland with a rate of 122.5 in 2020.

Elsewhere, the Shetland Islands recorded the highest rate on 205.6, followed by Na H-Eileanan Siar with 181.0 and the City of Edinburgh on 119.8.

Across Scotland, a total of 242 deaths were recorded in 2023 – a slight reduction on the 244 reported in 2022.

The number of people who died from drug misuse deaths while experiencing homelessness increased from 89 to 100 – with this accounting for 41 per cent of all homeless deaths.

Beth Watson, senior assistance statistician at NRS, 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.”