An SNP politician has condemned proposals to reject lifeline grants for key advice centres in some of Scotland’s poorest communities.
Chris Stephens said there "should be no cuts" when people will need help "more than ever".
It follows alarm at the number of grant applications being recommended for refusal in Glasgow.
The city council said the demand was "exceptional" and not every organisation will be able to receive the support they want.
Citizens Advice Scotland said 12,000 people could lost out if they have to shut five offices as feared in Bridgeton, Castlemilk, Easterhouse, Parkhead and the city centre.
Further cuts would reduce services in Drumchapel, Glasgow North West and Pollok.
A petition to reverse the proposals had reached more than 3,600 signatures by Tuesday morning.
Stephens, MP for Glasgow South West, raised his concern in a series of posts on social media.
He wrote: "In a Post Covid world Advice Centres will be needed more than ever. There should be no cuts to these vital services going forward."
Glasgow council is run by an SNP-led administration.
Frank Mosson, managed of the Bridgeton branch of Citizens Advice, said: "Last year, the 5 bureaux under threat of closure helped over 12,000 people, employing 66 paid staff and engaging 149 volunteers.
"This is about much more than numbers on a spreadsheet – this is life changing work being delivered in local communities to help people. It beggars belief that funding for these bureaux would be removed in the middle of a global pandemic and as we approach the biggest recession in decades.
"It is absolutely heart-breaking that staff who should be helping others through the stormy waters of redundancy as a result of Covid 19 are currently facing redundancy themselves. There is still time for Councillors to rethink these cuts, save our CABs and ensure that people get the help they need."
The proposals emerged on Friday, affecting charities and other groups in the city.
Mike Dailly, of the Govan Law Centre, said a potential 37% cut in funding for his organisation means more risk for people facing evictions and repossessions.
On Friday, a council spokesman said: "Demand for grant support has been exceptional – with applications received for well over double the total value of the fund. Unfortunately, this was always going to mean disappointment for some organisations with applications that scored less highly during assessment.
"Decisions on city-wide grants will be made at committee next week – followed by a further round of local awards."
