Glasgow City Council has been accused of presiding over an "absolute shambles" after it emerged five citizens advice bureaux in some of the city's poorest areas are to close.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) took the decision despite receiving an offer of financial support by rival group Glasgow Advice Agency (GAA), claiming the rescue package was not detailed enough.

CAS said it had no choice but to close the five bureaux in Easterhouse, Pollok, Castlemilk, Parkhead and Bridgeton after losing bids for other contracts to GAA.

Frank Mosson, manager of the Bridgeton CAB, said: "We're alarmed at the lack of information at this late stage and have no choice but to begin our formal closing-up procedures."

Opposition politicians said the root of the problem was the city council's decision to put citizens advice services out to tender, breaking up a "vital, free public service" for vulnerable people.

But the city council rejected claims that it had forced CAS to act, insisting there was "no need" for any of the centres to close.

Susan McPhee, CAS acting chief executive, said: "This is a really shocking situation and we are deeply disappointed that the people of Glasgow will lose so much expert advice just when they need it most.

"The recession has really battered the city and things have been made worse by the government's public spending cuts and welfare reforms.

"As a result many Glasgow families are really struggling, demand for CAB advice has never been higher and staff at all of these offices have never been busier."

Green MSP for Glasgow Patrick Harvie criticised the way the council handled the tendering process.

He said: "What an absolute shambles they have had to endure thanks to the city council. Forcing voluntary groups to compete to provide a vital, free public service was a ludicrous idea to begin with.

"Officials seem to be washing their hands of it, which is appalling behaviour."

Councillor Paul Coleshill, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at the council, said: "The Labour administration need to urgently explain why they have to come the decision to shut five of our city's CAB offices.

"They need to tell us how they will continue to support the communities that are losing this vital service."

SNP MSP for Glasgow Cathcart James Dornan said the decision to close the centres was "deeply disappointing" and claimed many MSPs and councillors were "angry at the lack of support given to CABs from the city council".

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "We are working with both parties to find a solution.

"The CABs were made a firm offer at the weekend which will secure their funding for the next year and ensure that no bureaux have to close.

"It is exceptionally disappointing that Citizens Advice Scotland has chosen to take this decision when it knows perfectly well there will be no need to close."