Charges for homeless hostels and temporary accommodation are to rise in Glasgow.

The council will increase the rents for temporary flats by 5%.

Hostels across the city will be increased at the same rate.

It will take the charge for six hostels from £364.63 To £382.86 a week.

The hostels are Chara Centre, Elder Street, James McLean, Rodney Street, Maxwell Drive and Portman Street.

For temporary accommodation flats, the average charge for a two-bedroom flat will go from £159.83 per week to £167.87 per week.

The council said the charges are in line with housing legislation.

While most people have the costs covered by housing benefit, there are many who still have to pay.

Susanne Millar, Chief Officer, of Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, said, in a report to councillors: “ The rent charge reflects the costs directly associated with the provision of the accommodation. Homelessness Services accommodate clients in temporary furnished accommodation until suitable permanent accommodation becomes available.”

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Sean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants Organisation, has a petition under consideration at the Scottish Parliament asking for the Scottish Government to pay for all charges for homeless temporary accommodation,

The petition also calls for the government to write off the £33.3m debt owed by homeless people for temporary accommodation to Scottish local authorities.

Last year the Glasgow Times reported how Glasgow City Council was owed almost £5m for unpaid temporary accommodation in 2020.

He said it was "shameful" and "immoral" that some people, not covered by full housing benefit, will be forced to pay these charges.
Clerkin added: "This means that 450 homeless people will struggle to pay these charges with Glasgow City Council having already accrued £4m in debt from high charges for homeless accommodation.
"The Scottish Government should instead give Glasgow City Council and other local authorities the financial resources to cover the full cost of homeless accommodation charges during this cost of living crisis so that homeless people can be protected from further evictions and destitution. It is a civilised society that cares for our most vulnerable citizens.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council, said: “All increases are in line with housing legislation.

“Clients are supported to access the benefits they are eligible for and this includes housing benefit which will cover costs – including the rent increase.”