Fewer people in Scotland seek homelessness help
Figures published by the Scottish government indicate a fall in the incidence of homelessness.
In the final quarter of 2012 there were 8,734 applications for homelessness assistance. This was a 12% drop on the same period in the previous year.
There were also fewer households in temporary accommodation.
Housing and welfare minister Margaret Burgess said measures being taken by the government were "making a real difference".
The government figures showed an 8% reduction in the number of households with children living in temporary accommodation. For all households, the fall was 4%.
Ms Burgess said: "In December 2012 landmark legislation came into force in Scotland which has put us at the forefront in Europe in our approach to tackling homelessness.
"Meeting our 2012 commitment guarantees that those who lose their home through no fault of their own are guaranteed settled accommodation.
"All of our councils did excellent work preparing for this new law, and these latest falls in homelessness applications provide proof that measures to tackle and prevent homelessness are making a real difference."