Glasgow faces a growing homeless crisis as officials warn the situation is unsustainable for accommodating asylum seekers
You see, Glasgow takes in about 95% of all asylum seekers in Scotland, even though there was a plan to spread them out more. It’s a lot for one city to handle.
In 2023, Glasgow declared a housing emergency and has spent millions trying to make sure everyone has a place to stay. But here’s the kicker: the UK Home Office only gives £750 a year for each asylum seeker. That leaves Glasgow to cover the rest, which is a huge burden.
The council and health board have had to dip into their reserves, spending around £11 million just to keep up with the rising costs. A report from the Glasgow Integration Joint Board says the city can’t keep up with the asylum seeker dispersal scheme as it stands.
Jim McBride, who heads up homelessness and complex needs, mentioned that while Glasgow has always welcomed those fleeing danger, the rising number of asylum cases and the local demand for housing is making it tough.
In just a year, applications for homelessness from people granted leave to stay have doubled. The costs from Home Office decisions are estimated to hit £26.5 million, with the council covering a big chunk of that.
Right now, there are over 4,100 asylum seekers in Glasgow. Once they get a decision from the Home Office, they lose their accommodation and many end up homeless.
To make matters worse, some people who get decisions elsewhere in the UK come to Glasgow looking for housing, adding even more pressure on the already strained services.
Mr. McBride pointed out that in the current year, Glasgow has received hundreds of homelessness applications from those granted leave to remain outside the city, and they get no heads-up or extra funding for these cases. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
