A HOUSING charity has claimed a council is acting “unlawfully” in denying homeless people temporary accommodation.

Shelter Scotland has sent a letter to Glasgow City Council (GCC) calling on it to end the practice to avoid court action.

It was delivered by people who have experienced homelessness as part of the charity’s The People v Glasgow City Council campaign. The charity will seek a judicial review, supported by a crowdfunder, if it receives no response.

Shelter Scotland director Graeme Brown said: “Glasgow City Council is breaking the law. Homeless people are being forced on to the streets. Officials are unable or unwilling to tackle the problem and the numbers are getting worse not better.

“If the judicial review goes ahead then we will ask the court to declare the council is acting unlawfully.”

A council spokesman said: “As [Shelter] are well aware, there are significant pressures on our homelessness accommodation service. We are working with the Housing Regulator and partners in the third and housing sectors to tackle these challenges.

“Rather than raising money for court action it would be helpful if Shelter worked constructively with us to tackle the pressing issue of homelessness.

“Threats of legal action are an unhelpful distraction to this crucial work.”