THE cost of temporary accommodation for the homeless in Glasgow is to rise by almost 4%.

Glasgow City Council could charge £144.32 per week (up 3.7 percent) to those living in temporary accommodation and £327.98 a week (up 3.5 percent) for those living in hostels on Rodney Street and Portman Street if the increases are rubber stamped.

Elder Street and James Mclean could also be affected. If approved the fees will be implemed from April 1 this year.

Those who can’t afford to pay their temporary accommodation rent can apply for Housing Benefit which will cover the cost.

The temporary accommodation, which are owned by social registered landlords, is also equipped with a washing machine, cooker and sofa.

The decision is expected to be made at the city administration committee just ahead of the budget decision.

Members will discuss if the proposals are in line with policy from previous years. The homelessness service accommodate clients in temporary units until a suitable permanent home becomes available.

Since 2017 the Scottish Government has funded the management fee for accommodation to cover the cost of repairs and maintenance.

Around £4.4 million is expected to be allocated to Glasgow but this is still to be confirmed.

The number of income generating homeless units for 2019/2020 is around 1366.

In September 2018, 54 hostel beds were lost when the Clyde Place hostel closed. Tenants were rehomed into their own housing first tenancy which supports those with complex needs and helps find them a permanent residence.

The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group (HARSAG) was set up by the Scottish Government in October 2017 in a bid to find short- and long-term solutions to eradicate homelessness and rough sleeping.

Members have been advised to approve the proposals.