A LABOUR MSP has called for an inquiry after she was mistakenly told by Glasgow City Council it does not have a taskforce set up to tackle homelessness.

Johann Lamont has written to the Information Commissioner after she was given the incorrect details in a Freedom of Information request.

The taskforce had in fact existed and been meeting, a fact that was missed by the council’s top solicitor who responded to the FOI.

The council has apologised, saying there was confusion over which group the former Labour leader was seeking information about.

However, the gaffe has prompted Ms Lamont to call for an independent investigation.

Ms Lamont said: “The way Glasgow City Council has dealt with this doesn’t inspire confidence.

“What we need now is clarity and for proper scrutiny of the work needed to end rough sleeping in Glasgow.”

The Labour MSP’s Freedom of Information request was lodged on June 5.

On July 30, the council provided incorrect information to the MSP, who had asked for various details about the taskforce.

In the FOI, Carole Forrest, director of governance and solicitor to Glasgow City Council, said: “Following my investigation, I can confirm that the council does not hold any information relating to the Glasgow City Council Rough Sleeping Task Force, beyond the article you referenced.

“Further to this, the council’s Homelessness Unit has confirmed that it isn’t aware of the existence of the task force.”

A council spokesman apologised and said there had been confusion over what exact group Ms Lamont was seeking information on.

Ms Lamont told the Information Commissioner she had been perfectly clear over what group she was seeking details about.

She said: “The press statement from GCC also states that there ‘was confusion regarding which group information was being sought on’, however, as you will see from my email to GCC on July 5, 2018, clarity was provided.

“The FOI review from GCC and press statements issued by the council are direct contradictions.

“I believe it is in the public interest this matter is thoroughly investigated and would appreciate your assistance.”

Earlier this year, Glasgow City Council was criticised for not housing people who are homeless quickly enough.

The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) also ruled many people were spending too much time in temporary accommodation – an average of 238 days.

Glasgow City Council said it accepted that “improvements,” in the system were required.