Shelter Scotland has launched a legal battle against Glasgow City Council over failures in its homelessness service.

The charity has accused the council of breaking the law, claiming it denied temporary accommodation to homeless people more than 3,000 times last year.

It had previously written to the council threatening legal action, but is now seeking a judicial review after the Glasgow failed to respond.

Director of Shelter Scotland, Graeme Brown, said the council was not taking court action lightly. ‘By taking legal action we are trying to stop Glasgow City Council denying hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of people their right to a roof over their head.’

He added: ‘The facts are clear; Glasgow City Council is breaking the law; homeless people are being forced onto the streets; officials are unable or unwilling to tackle the problem; and the numbers are getting worse not better.

‘So we are taking them to court to put a stop to this unlawful practice once and for all.’

A spokesperson for the council said Glasgow faced significant pressure on its homelessness accommodation.

The council said: ‘We continue to work with the Scottish Housing Regulator and partners in the housing and third sectors to help those facing homelessness and the threat of homelessness.

‘We share a common aim with Shelter and, rather than focusing on court action, we would hope it could work together with the council and its partners to ensure that these challenges are met.’