COUNCILS will get new powers to tackle slum landlords early next year after ministers were moved by the desperate state of homes in Glasgow's South Side.

COUNCILS will get new powers to tackle slum landlords early next year after ministers were moved by the desperate state of homes in Glasgow's South Side.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell has decided to reinforce the abilities of councils - including Glasgow - to take over slum properties run by rogue landlords, allowing the regeneration of communities such as Govanhill.

Campaigners, including Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell, welcomed the news.

It comes after the Evening Times exposed the appalling conditions of properties in Govanhill and backed calls for new laws to rid the city of its slums.

Mr Purcell, who visited the area last week, had warned delays in introducing the new powers were allowing houses to deteriorate further.

Last month Mr Maxwell saw some of the horrific conditions faced by families in tenement flats when he visited the area.

Today a Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We understand the scale of the problem that some tenants and homeowners in the area are facing and we are working with a range of organisations including Glasgow City Council to find solutions.

"We have consulted on draft guidance to support local authorities in the implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. This includes new powers to designate Housing Renewal Areas.

"These are expected to come into force early next year."

The new powers mean an area - as small as a close or covering entire streets - can be declared a Housing Renewal Area. That speeds up the process of tabling Compulsory Purchase Orders, forcing owners to sell at market rates.

Houses can be handed to local housing associations for refurbishment, with subsequent rental income paying for more renovations.

News of the decision came just days after Mr Purcell announced £2million would be made available next April to tackle the worst closes among at least 750 properties in Govan-hill that fail to meet decent standards.

Mr Purcell said: "I'm very pleased the Government has recognised now is the time to act on this issue.

"What I saw was completely unacceptable and it's time for all parts of government to work together to improve conditions for people in Glasgow."

But he said it was necessary to recognise the combination of extreme neglect, poverty, and large numbers of immigrants who were being exploited by rogue landlords made Govanhill a special case that required extra funding.