THE number of homeless people in Glasgow referred to letters in the private sector has increased massively over the past two years.

New figures revealed in a freedom of information request have shown so far this year 731 homeless people were put in touch with private letters.

The figures, obtained by Glasgow Labour MSP Johann Lamont, also show that in 2016 just 36 people were referred to the private sector.

In 2016 there were 275 people in similar positions in Glasgow, meaning there has been around a 2,000 per cent increase in the past two years.

The Labour politician has now called for increased funding to address the city's homelessness problems.

She said: “The SNP came to power with a clear promise to decrease the use of the private sector for homeless people. They have some very serious questions to answer over these figures.

“Empty campaign promises and a homelessness summit focused on attracting headlines has done nothing for the people who desperately need the help and support of the council.

"From these figures to the revelation earlier in the year, that the council’s homelessness team were not aware of the existence of a rough sleeping task force, it is clear there is a lack of political and strategic coordination within the council.

“Our city needs fair and proper funding to address properly the social injustices Glasgow faces. The time for dedicated and brave leadership is now, the city needs Susan Aitken to challenge her political masters in Edinburgh and step up to the plate.

“My message to the SNP in the city chambers and Holyrood is clear – give Glasgow a fair deal.”

Lamont has now written to Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken challenging her to fight for Glasgow’s corner, demanding fairer funding for the city.

In the letter, the Glasgow MSP claims there is a "serious lack of affordable housing and an unacceptable level of rough sleepers in the city.

The SNP manifesto for the 2017 council elections committed to decreasing the use the private rented sector.

Last week the council in Glasgow agreed to write to the Scottish Government to ask it to fund emergency housing for destitute asylum seekers and migrants in the city.

A Glasgow City Council Council spokeswoman said: “The demographics and needs of our homeless clients have changed over the last few years and for a number of reasons as have our reporting mechanisms. 

“We are now having to look to the private sector, in partnership with organisations like YPeople, to identify larger properties that’s not available in other areas.

“Over the next 5 years will also see significant investment in more than 8,500 new affordable homes built across the city to help tackle homelessness as well.

“Our aim and commitment is to make sure that we can do everything in our power to house people and families in the correct accommodation that meets their needs and out of temporary housing as soon as possible.

“We will continue to explore every option open to us and working alongside our partners to achieve this.”