YOUR TIME’S UP GLASGOW
Homeless charity claims local authority has illegally denied people places in temporary accommodation
A HOMELESSNESS charity has started legal action against Glasgow City Council over “gatekeeping”.
Shelter Scotland maintains the council has illegally denied people in need a place in temporary accommodation.
It is now seeking a judicial review at the Court of Session, following the council’s inability to respond to a preaction letter, which set a deadline of September 30.
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Time’s up, Glasgow City Council. We are taking you to court.
“We are not taking this action lightly. We exist to fight for people’s rights to a decent home and to stop homelessness happening.
“By taking legal action, we are trying to stop Glasgow City Council denying hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of people their right to a roof over their head.
“Rights are not a privilege – they are a legal entitlement enforceable by law and the council should not be allowed to disregard the law with impunity. “We believe that if action isn’t taken now to stop this practice – and public bodies are left to pick and choose which laws they wish to follow – then it will undermine citizens’ rights across the board. “The facts are clear – Glasgow City Council is breaking the law; homeless people are being forced on to the streets; officials are unable or unwilling to tackle the problem; and the numbers are getting worse, not better.”
Shelter Scotland has raised more than £15,000 to fund the action through a crowdfunding campaign.
A council spokesman said: “Glasgow faces significant pressures on our homelessness accommodation and we continue to work with the Scottish Housing Regulator and partners in the housing and third sectors to help those facing homelessness and the threat of homelessness.
“We share a common aim with Shelter and, rather than focusing on court action, we would hope it could work together with the council and its partners to ensure that these challenges are met.”