Glasgow homeless shelter say closure will be 'a death sentence'

Supporters of a homeless shelter facing closure have warned the decision will be a 'death sentence' for homeless people as they gathered in protest outside Glasgow City Council chambers this morning.

The Glassford Street shelter has been issued with an enforcement order from the council, which said there have been reports of crime and complaints.

Homeless Project Scotland Chair Colin McInnes said: "They say we don't have planning consent. I told them it is a homeless emergency."

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Mr McInnes claimed the council can't accommodate people and abide by homeless legislation so "why do they feel they have to enforce planning legislation."

Mr McInnes said: "It makes me feel they are giving the homeless a death sentence. The homeless are going through enough."

He called on the council to withdraw the enforcement notice and said the organisation will apply for planning consent.

The shelter is located beside the 'luxury' House of Gods hotel and can have more than 30 people waiting to get in at night. The organisation says it also serves more than 660,000 meals a year.

Protesters played loud music during a council meeting this morning and campaigners gave speeches.

Marco Haig owner of Ghia Logistics attended and donated a lorry for use at the event.

Marco helps Homeless Project Scotland collect donations and carries out other voluntary duties. He said: "It is a chance to give something back. For me this a pandemic."

A spokesperson for the council said: “The occupants have not submitted a planning application for change of use despite efforts to encourage them to do so. There has also been a lack of engagement from the property owner.

“Therefore, there has been no opportunity to scrutinise how the building is operated to ensure that it is safe, well managed and satisfies the relevant policies. There has also been no evidence provided to show that it complies with Care Inspectorate National Standards.

“There have been multiple crime reports and complaints linked to these premises since it began to be used as unauthorised homeless shelter in December 2023.

“Based on the available evidence, fears from residents and businesses that the unauthorised use of the building is directly contributing to anti-social behaviour and crime in the area appear to be well founded.

“To protect the safety and well-being of the community and given the lack of engagement from the occupants to progress with a planning application, we believe it is necessary to take action to cease the unauthorised use of these premises.

“It remains open for the occupants to submit a planning application for assessment through the usual process. Any application will be considered on its individual merits within the context of our planning policies.”

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