Homelessness in Glasgow has fallen by nearly a quarter in two years

Figures show the number of people asking for emergency housing was down 15 per cent in the past year and 22 per cent since 2010.

The figures date from October to December 2012, just as legislation came into force to tackle homelessness.

There were 1821 homeless in Glasgow, down more than 300 from the same time in 2011.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “This is indicative of efforts made by landlords not to evict tenants during the winter, and the overall trend is down.

“However, homelessness is still too high and we cannot afford to be complacent or lose sight of the fact that over 8500 households still lost their homes in just three months.

“A number of councils have surpassed the national trend and we hope to be able to work with them to identify what lessons, if any, other councils can take from their experiences.”

Councillor Matt Kerr, member for social care at Glasgow City Council, said: “Clearly, the fewer people suffering homelessness, the better for us all.

“However, we are under no illusions that provision for the homeless will continue to be challenged, and that changes to the benefits system will exert more pressure on this.

“Without a change in direction from the UK government, or a change in focus from the Scottish Government, difficult times lie ahead.”