Finance needed to address the homelessness crisis

Thanks to the City Treasurer and members of the Green Councillors Group for their work on this budget agreed on 24th February 2026 along with Finance Staff and Policy Officers. This 2026-27 council budget is offering only a short-term fix by borrowing to cover the costs of B&Bs and hotels needed in response to the homelessness crisis. 

We need more support to accelerate the building of affordable and social homes in Glasgow in 2026. We know that a significant, sustained investment of millions of pounds to address the housing emergency is necessary. We have the highest number of people experiencing homelessness in Scotland but don't have the resources that they need to provide people with homes they require.  

The Council has to be able to take giant steps forward in delivering the good quality, safe, secure and warm homes that our citizens urgently need. We require a breakthrough in our engagement with the Scottish Government and UK Government to enable the city’s housing sector to have long-term certainty to combat the high homelessness rates. 

We welcome a continued commitment from Scottish Government to social housing, with grant funding available for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme for Glasgow. The progress being made in achieving this housing investment through a partnership with Scottish Government is greatly appreciated. However, the Council has to be able to ensure Glasgow’s housing investment is provide at a level that can take on the challenge of eradicating child poverty. 

Increased investment to prevent and end homelessness, with targeted support for groups at higher risk, including women experiencing domestic abuse and disabled people is vital. There is a need for a particular emphasis on increasing the availability of family-sized properties. The transformation of domestic energy use to tackle fuel poverty and drive the shift to efficient, low carbon heating can address housing costs and prevent homelessness.

Housing developments are essential to be able to grow the local economy and improve the wellbeing for our citizens and communities in 2026. We are faced with significant issues due to construction costs, inflation, labour shortages and regulatory pressures affecting housing supply in the year ahead. There is a risk of delivery of new homes slowing down. 

It is more important than ever that we continue to work to support efforts to end homelessness across Council Services and push to secure the resources needed from the UK Government and Scottish Government. By supporting collaboration and innovation, we can aim to accelerate housing investment, leverage additional private investment and boost overall housing supply.