THE number of Scots becoming homeless after defaulting on their mortgage has risen sharply, according to official government figures.

The total jumped 16% from 468 to 543 in 2012/13 compared with the previous 12 months, the first rise since 2009/10.

The figure was a small fraction of the 39,827 people who declared themselves homeless to their local authority, a total that was down from 45,547 the previous year.

The biggest single reason for people becoming homeless, accounting for more than 10,000 cases, was being "asked to leave" their previous accommodation, the government report said.

The figures showed a further 6798 became homeless following a relationship breakdown and 4392 after a violent domestic dispute.

Of those who became homeless, 11,159 households were placed in temporary accommodation, a rise of 4%.

The figure included 3177 households with children, a drop of 9%.

Transport Minister Keith Brown welcomed the overall fall in the figures but warned: "We are concerned that this may be undermined by Westminster welfare changes."

The concerns were echoed by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

But Tory MSP Alex Johnstone said: "Those attacking Westminster policies will not find any evidence to support their partisan views in these figures."