Campaigners have questioned whether Glasgow can afford to host another Commonwealth Games after the last event in the city cost £543 million.
It was revealed yesterday the sporting extravaganza could return to Scotland for the first time since 2014 if no other host nation can be found.
Organisers are struggling to find a city willing to take on the Games in two years' time after Singapore, Malaysia and the Australian state of Victoria all ruled themselves out.
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has now claimed a "cost effective" event
could be staged in Glasgowfor between £130m and £150m.
Ian Reid, CGS chair, claimed yesterday the event could return without "significant sums of public funding" if established sporting venues were used and the number of sports scaled back.
But campaigners working on the frontline of the city's homelessness and drugs deaths crises have questioned whether affordable Games could really be delivered.
They argued public spending and political capital should instead be focused on delivering more affordable housing and treatment facilities.
It comes after Glasgow City Council last year declared a housing emergency due to "unprecedented pressures" facing the local authority.
Annemarie Ward, CEO of the Faces & Voices of Recovery UK charity, doubted whether the event could really be staged without any significant public funding.
"The claim by Commonwealth Games Scotland that staging the event would require 'no significant ask of public funds' raises serious concerns, especially in light of Glasgow's devastating drug death crisis," she told the Record.
"With limited resources allocated to support individuals in their recovery journey, the idea of diverting funds towards hosting the Commonwealth Games becomes even more troubling.
"Moreover, Glasgow's infrastructure, including its roads and essential services, is on the verge of collapse. Given this precarious situation, it's imperative to prioritise investments that address these pressing issues before considering funding large-scale events.
"Decision-makers must thoroughly assess how hosting the Commonwealth Games would impact Glasgow's well-being, conducting transparent financial analysis and ensuring that any benefits address critical issues like the drug death crisis.
"Without solid evidence of significant public benefit, Glasgow should focus on investing in solutions that directly address residents' urgent needs, ensuring that any large-scale events truly benefit the city and its citizens beyond superficial appearances on social media or television."
Sean Clerkin, a veteran anti-austerity and housing campaigner said: "My opinion is Glasgow should not stage another Commonwealth Games.
"Glasgow is a city in the middle of a housing and homeless emergency.
"If Glasgow can afford to host the Commonwealth Games - even a scaled back version - it can afford to give extra money to homelessness services."
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has said it will provide £100 million for the chosen host nation, while the remaining budget will be funded by ticket sales and broadcasting rights.
The usual programme would need to be cut down to between 10 and 13 events.
A final decision on the host nation is due to be made by the CGF next month, with Glasgow considered as a back-up option “should a viable alternative fail to materialise”.
Scottish politics
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scotland and Scottish athletes and the key priority for the Scottish Government is the continuation of the movement.
“The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games received international recognition as an outstanding fortnight of sporting and cultural events.
“The CGF has confirmed it is working with a number of Commonwealth Games Associations to reset and reframe the Games. This process is ongoing and we continue to engage with CGS on their proposals.”
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