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Glasgow City Council faces financial strain from refugee housing costs
Glasgow City Council is facing severe financial pressure due to the rising costs of providing housing for refugees and asylum seekers. An audit by the Accounts Commission highlighted a £110m budget gap for the council over the next two financial years, noting that homelessness services are a significant driver of this deficit.
Costs for addressing refugee homelessness applications were £38m in 2025-26, with projections rising to £56m in 2026-27 and £74m in 2027-28. Critics and local officials argue that the Scottish National Party’s decision to scrap the 'local connection' policy has turned Glasgow into a magnet for asylum seekers, as the city is legally required to house those granted permission to remain.
Ricky Bell, a frontrunner for the council leadership, has called on the Scottish government to either reform legislation or provide increased funding to alleviate the burden on Glasgow taxpayers. While the Home Office is responsible for asylum accommodation, local authorities are managing the immediate impact on housing and social services.
Entities
Accounts Commission · Glasgow · Glasgow City Council · Ricky Bell · Scottish National Party
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Accounts Commission identified a £110m budget gap in Glasgow City Council's budget over the next two financial years. ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The abolition of the 'local connection' policy is cited as a factor that has made Glasgow a magnet for asylum seekers. www.gbnews.com · uk.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The cost of addressing refugee homelessness applications was £38m in 2025-26. ca.news.yahoo.com · uk.news.yahoo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ricky Bell stated that the government needs to either change legislation or fund the outcomes of current legislation. ca.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Accounts Commission identified homelessness costs as a significant area of financial pressure for Glasgow City Council. www.gbnews.com · uk.news.yahoo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Homelessness costs are forecast to reach £56m in 2026-27 and £74m in 2027-28. ca.news.yahoo.com · uk.news.yahoo.com