Accommodation for asylum seekers in Glasgow
Statement from SFHA in response to letter 10/7/19 from Living Rent.
SFHA and its members recognise the immensely difficult situation facing asylum seekers who may lose their home following a decision on their right to remain in the UK. No-one in this situation should be left to face destitution.
SFHA members which lease property to SERCO expect any organisation that has a contract with the Home Office to act within the law and observe due process as decided by the courts.
We stand with the coalition of charities, law centres and organisations in Glasgow that are calling upon SERCO and the Home Office to stop serving Lock Change Notices until such time as the law has been clarified.
SFHA is concerned about the implications of the transition of the contract from SERCO to Mears and is seeking clarity from the Home Office to ensure proper management of the properties and a continuing supply of homes for asylum seekers well into the future.
Members are monitoring the situation closely and remain open to discussions with SERCO, Mears and the Home Office over how lease arrangements are handled.
A small number of SFHA members lease properties to SERCO to accommodate people seeking asylum, but the day to day management is overseen by SERCO.
Power over immigration remains reserved to the UK Parliament. However, SFHA and our members will work with other agencies to provide any necessary support to asylum seekers in crisis.
Providing support : Positive Action in Housing
Positive Action in Housing is providing an emergency response service for people facing evictions. Anyone facing eviction, or their adviser, is advised to call Positive Action in Housing on 0141 353 2220.
Positive Action in Housing also runs a scheme, Room for Refugees, to offer refugees a place to stay if they no longer have recourse to public funds.
If you live in Glasgow, and have a spare room, you can register at www.roomforrefugees.com and Positive Action in Housing will contact you to match you with someone who would otherwise be destitute and homeless.
Positive Action in Housing has also launched an emergency appeal to help support people who are affected.