Background: Local Connection Rule Abolished

In 2022, the Scottish Government, led by the SNP, abolished the local connection rule that previously required homeless applicants to have a connection to the local authority area where they sought housing support. This rule had ensured that councils only housed individuals with established ties, such as residence, work, or family links, within their jurisdiction.

Before its removal, homeless applications to Glasgow City Council from individuals without any local connection to Scotland were minimal. The rule change has since allowed people from outside Scotland, and even outside the UK, to apply for homelessness assistance in Glasgow.

Sharp Increase in Homelessness Applications

Data obtained by the Scottish Conservatives through a Freedom of Information request reveals a staggering 3,500% increase in homelessness applications to Glasgow City Council from outside Scotland since the rule was abolished.

Specifically, prior to 2022, only 35 applications came from individuals with no local connection to any Scottish council (22 from outside Scotland and 13 from outside the UK). This number rose to 1,290 in 2023, including 356 from outside Scotland and 934 from outside the UK, representing a 3,585% increase.

The trend has continued into 2024–25 and 2025–26, with 2,089 applications so far from outside Scotland, including 522 from elsewhere in the UK and 1,567 from outside the UK. The Scottish Conservatives note that 76% of those benefiting from the rule change are from outside Scotland.

Political Response and Criticism

Scottish Conservative shadow housing secretary Meghan Gallacher criticised the SNP’s policy, describing it as “virtue-signalling” and blaming it for worsening Glasgow’s housing crisis. She stated:

“These astonishing figures highlight the impact on Glasgow of the SNP’s open-door immigration policy. Their reckless decision to abolish the local connection rule has led to an influx of people from outside Scotland trying to access homelessness services, and the city’s Nationalist-run council has said it can’t cope.”

“SNP ministers have made Glasgow a magnet for asylum seekers and the financial toll this is having on the city is enormous and unsustainable.”

“The Scottish Conservatives’ housing paper includes a range of measures to address the housing emergency which SNP policies have created, and one of them is to reinstate the local connection restrictions that are in place in the rest of the UK.”

“John Swinney must accept he got this badly wrong. His virtue-signalling policy has made the housing crisis far worse in our biggest city.”

Comparison with England’s Local Connection Policy

In England, local authorities are only required to house homeless individuals if they normally reside in that council area. According to Shelter, normal residence is defined as either six months’ residence in the past 12 months or three years’ residence in the previous five years.

This contrast highlights the unique position Scotland has taken by removing the local connection rule, which some argue has contributed to increased pressures on housing services in cities like Glasgow.

Implications for Landlords and Housing Providers

The surge in homelessness applications from outside Scotland may place additional strain on local housing resources and support services, potentially affecting the availability and management of social and private rented housing in Glasgow and beyond.

Landlords and letting agents should be aware of the evolving policy landscape and its potential impact on housing demand and local authority responsibilities. The debate over local connection rules may influence future housing legislation and funding allocations, which could affect the private rented sector.

Looking Ahead

The Scottish Conservatives have pledged to reverse the abolition of the local connection rule if elected, aiming to reduce pressures on Glasgow’s housing services. The ongoing political debate underscores the challenges of balancing open access to homelessness support with sustainable housing management.

Suggested internal link anchors

• homelessness applications
• local connection rule
• housing emergency Scotland
• Glasgow City Council housing
• Scottish housing policy
• private rented sector pressures
• housing support services
• homelessness legislation
• asylum seekers housing
• housing demand in Scotland

TLA update

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