SERCO to resume lock changes

SFHA was saddened to learn that many people in the asylum system, who are housed in Glasgow, will, once again, be faced with homelessness and destitution.

SERCO, the accommodation provider for people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, has been given the green light to resume 'lock change' evictions, following a recent court judgement that ruled this approach was lawful. SFHA understands the Govan Law Centre has lodged an appeal with the Court of Session and the outcome of this is expected on 1 July 2019. 

A small number of SFHA members lease properties to SERCO to accommodate people seeking asylum, but the day to day management of these living arrangements is overseen by SERCO.

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. 

Ends

For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on t: 0141 567 6221 m: 0788 788 8348 email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk

Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk

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NOTES:

1. https://news.gov.scot/news/energy-efficiency-grants-for-social-landlords
2. https://www.sfha.co.uk/our-work/media/sub-category/press-release-subcategory/media-article/seventy-three-per-cent-rise-in-fuel-poverty
3. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 133 members providing affordable housing and wider community services across Scotland, as well as a further 150 sector associates. The SFHA is owned and governed by its members and exists to lead, represent and support the work of housing associations and co-operatives throughout Scotland.
4. The SFHA is the voice of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA’s 133 members represent 85% of the sector, own and manage 86% of the 247,000+ housing association stock across Scotland. Together, housing associations and co-operatives provide housing for almost 500,000 people, which is one in every 11 households.
5. Over 15,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland, 93% of the staff within the sector.
6. Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies, regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.