GLASGOW's council leader was today put under pressure to scrap crippling rent rises for charities based in city-owned premises.

SNP opposition members believe the council's controversial arm's-length landlord firm is jeopardising voluntary sector jobs and services.

Council leader Gordon Matheson helped create City Property, which has issued scores of charities and other organisations with notices of removal dated today as it tries to boost its income.

Last week umbrella groups for charities operating in the city, The Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector and the Third-Sector Forum, issued similar statements to members saying they had "serious concerns" about City Property.

City SNP leader Graeme Hendry said: "Labour set up City Property to get the highest possible return.

"But it has failed to put in place safeguards to prevent long standing charities and businesses being forced under by their action.

"Mr Matheson needs to stop burying his head in the sand and take action now to stop this.

"If no action is taken people will be made unemployed, charities will go under and more shops will be left empty."

The Evening Times is aware of several charities or voluntary organisations facing new rent or lease problems.

Green councillor Nina Baker said: "The policies of City Property, if they have any, don't seem to mesh with the council's overall objectives on regeneration or support for charities."

The Evening Times tried to contact Mr Matheson but he was unavailable for comment.

His fellow Labour councillor Martin Rhodes, who chairs City Property, said: "City Property has many tenants in the commercial and third sector.

"In the small number of cases where difficulties might occur, the best way forward is dialogue.

"I am sure that together City Property, the council and the third sector organisations will reach a situation were all tenants are treated fairly."

david.leask@ eveningtimes.co.uk