POLITICIANS today told the Government: "Get someone independent to pass judgment on Scotland's biggest social landlord."

The call came after a consultant's report said Glasgow Housing Association had over-valued its homes by hundreds of millions of pounds.

Ministers promised the study, which called into question GHA's view that community ownership is too expensive, would be probed by the Scottish Housing Regulator.

But some MSPs say the body can't give an independent view on the findings - because it originally backed the way GHA's homes were valued.

GHA claims Second Stage Transfer - the process that would see homes handed over to smaller, community-based associations - would leave a "financial black hole".

But last week the Evening Times told how the report, carried out by financial experts Mazars, concluded that GHA would actually pocket up to £500million.

Labour MSP Johann Lamont demanded immediate action from Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Housing Minister Stewart Maxwell.

Ms Lamont, who represents Pollok, said: "It is simply not an option for the regulator to take on this role of independent scrutiny in this case.

"Local housing associations would not see this as independent and it is critical to the progress of SST that it is evident to all the case presented by Mazars is treated seriously.

"Given that the regulator has already accepted the GHA approach, it is difficult to see how it could fulfil this role.

"We need independent scrutiny and I have written to Ms Sturgeon urging her to ensure this."

SNP MSP Sandra White added: "Regardless of what the regulator says, an independent assessment of this report is vital, preferably through Audit Scotland.

"We need honesty and transparency in this matter, and we need closure."

A Scottish Government spokesman said the regulator's scrutiny would be independent, but did not rule out further assessment.

Lyn Ewing, chairwoman of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations, who commissioned the report, said they would be meeting ministers to discuss their concerns.