Headline: Glasgow Council Calls for More Support to House Refugees

Date: 3 September 2026

Tags: Scotland, Housing, Immigration, Local Government

Summary:

• Glasgow deputy council leader Ricky Bell says the city faces disproportionate financial pressure from housing refugees.

• Refugees or people with leave to remain accounted for 43% of Glasgow homelessness applications between April and September 2025.

• Glasgow spent £38m addressing refugee homelessness during 2025-26.

• Council officials forecast those costs could increase to £56m this year and £74m in 2027-28.

• Bell called for additional government funding or legislation allowing more people to be housed outside Glasgow.

• Glasgow City Council faces a projected £110m budget gap across the next two financial years.

• Asylum seekers become eligible for local authority homelessness assistance after receiving permission to remain in the UK.

• The Scottish government acknowledged Glasgow faces significant pressures and said discussions over additional support were continuing.

• Bell also argued the UK government bears responsibility because the Home Office manages asylum accommodation before decisions are made.

• Glasgow has operated under a housing emergency declaration since 2023.

Why this matters: Rising homelessness costs are placing significant pressure on Glasgow’s finances, housing supply and wider public services.

What’s next: Glasgow and the Scottish government will continue negotiations over additional funding and possible changes to how refugee homelessness is managed.