Tens of thousands of children are “languishing” on housing waiting lists across Scotland, say the Lib Dems.
More than 50,000 young people aged 18 or under are facing uncertain futures as they wait for a home, with more than a quarter of those on Tayside and Fife lists.
Fife has the highest number of teenagers and children waiting for social housing in the country, according to freedom of information figures, although other high population areas like Glasgow and Edinburgh are not included because they do not hold the data.
The figures also reveal that thousands of people across the country have been on waiting lists for decades.
Jim Hume, the housing spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, which compiled the figures, said the lack of housing for social rent is a “disgrace”.
Last week it was revealed that 30,000 children have been homeless on Christmas Day over the past three years.
Mr Hume added: “When you put that figure with the tens of thousands of children currently on housing waiting lists, it paints a very bleak picture for young people needing support as they’re grow up in Scotland.”
There are 15,921 young people aged 18 or under on Tayside and Fife lists. Fife has 9,598, compared with Dundee (3,854), Angus (2,388) and Perth and Kinross (81).
Fife Council said it was one of the largest local authorities in the country and urged caution when comparing its figures with other areas.
More than 1,000 people in Tayside and Fife have been on a housing waiting list for at least a decade, with one in Dundee sitting on the list for 44 years.
Louise Southerland, area housing service manager at Fife Council, said: “Some people on our list have no need to move, but simply wish a different area or house type, and our housing list prioritises people in need whether this be medical needs, homelessness or overcrowding.”
John Alexander, the housing convener for Dundee City Council, said it was likely that those waiting 10 years or more were already adequately housed, adding it “may be the case that some merely want a change of scenery”.
He said Dundee has invested £64 million in building 667 new homes in the city and is bringing empty homes back into use.
The SNP councillor said they have reduced the number of homeless applications by 46% since 2008-9 in Dundee.
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said council waiting lists are falling in Scotland and the Government has invested £90m in affordable housing, including those for social rent, to deliver 50,000 new affordable homes over the next five years.
“We are working closely with local authorities and across the housing sector to prevent homelessness and ensure everyone has access to a warm and safe place to stay,” she added.