Overview
- Freedom of Information data published by the Scottish Conservatives show Glasgow homeless applications from people with no local connection rose from 35 in 2022–23 to 1,290 in 2023–24 and 2,089 in 2024–25, with roughly 76% from outside Scotland.
- Scottish Conservatives link the rise to the SNP’s 2022 abolition of the local connection rule and call for it to be reinstated, alongside a pledge to build 80,000 homes by 2031.
- SNP housing secretary Màiri McAllan says UK asylum system management is driving pressure on councils and urges the Home Office to provide urgent financial support.
- Glasgow City Council reports a £66 million overspend on homelessness services and says Home Office dispersal decisions are a major factor, noting asylum seekers are placed in the city and cannot access local housing support while claims are processed.
- Glasgow declared a housing emergency in November 2023 and the Scottish Government followed in May 2024, as political disputes continue over causes, funding responsibilities and potential policy remedies.