Mums' appeal may lead to extra funding for homelessness in Glasgow

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The appeals of two bereaved mums may lead to millions of pounds in extra funding to head off a homelessness crisis in Scotland’s biggest city.Humza Yousaf outlined plans to provide more funds to support desperate people in temporary accommodation after a face to face meeting in Glasgow with Linda McVean and Maureen Thomson.The First Minister was faced with appeals for better conditions in “hellhole” homeless hotels, as he heard how both mothers’ sons died of drug overdoses.Yousaf wrote to both mums this week, stating that he would give consideration to more funding.Linda and Maureen, who were supported by the Scottish tenants Association, had stipulated a figure of £26 million, based on homeless numbers provided by Glasgow City Council.Housing campaigners have said the First Minister must now follow up with hard cash, given the widespread fears that Glasgow faces an deepening homelessness crisis.And the charity Shelter has claimed that anything short of a major capital building programme would be no more than a sticking plaster, given the emerging housing crisis the country is caught in.In his letter, Yousaf wrote: “In our meeting, you suggested that the Scottish Government should provide additional funding to Glasgow City Council.“We will set our budget for the year ahead later this year and I will continue to give consideration to funding we may be able to provide Glasgow, and others in order to provide further support for those living in temporary accommodation with problematic drug or alcohol use.He adds: “As part of a series of meetings with Housing Convenors across the country, the Minister for Housing is undertaking a regular programme of engagement with Glasgow Housing Convenors.“At their last meeting on 8