You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
New contractor vows not to evict Glasgow asylum seekers without court order
Glasgow-based asylum seekers living in social housing will no longer face lock-change evictions, according to the Home Office’s new contractor.
Mears Group, which took over the contract to house asylum seekers in Glasgow on Monday, told the Scottish Federation of Housing (SFHA) and Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations (GWSF) that it would seek a court order before evicting asylum seekers.
Last year, previous contractor Serco was criticised by housing associations and campaigners when it proposed to change locks on homes occupied by over 300 asylum seekers whose attempts to gain refugee status had been unsuccessful.
The public services giant leased flats from social landlords to house people attempting to claim refugee status in the UK, with the rent being paid by the Home Office.
READ MORE
Serco has since been engaged in a legal battle with two refugees who claim that the organisation was not legally allowed to evict them without a court order. A final decision is still to be made on the case by Scotland’s highest court, the Court of Session.
Mears’ commitment will not apply to asylum seekers who have already been told they cannot stay in the UK, as these individuals will continue to be housed by Secro, pending the outcome of legal challenges.
Polly Jones, head of membership and policy at SFHA, said: “Together with our members, SFHA and GWSF have secured a commitment from Mears to prevent any asylum seeker facing destitution.
“We are delighted lock-change evictions have been ruled out and replaced with a clear and fair support package, where any decision to evict an asylum seeker must be approved first by a court.
“Social landlords want to continue to provide much-needed accommodation to asylum seekers in Glasgow and this new contract ensures that will happen.”
David Bookbinder, director at DWSF, said: “We really welcome the willingness of Mears to take a fresh approach to the very difficult and sensitive issue of how asylum seekers in Glasgow will leave their accommodation after they have a decision on their right to stay in the UK.
“It’s important for housing associations to be confident that their homes are managed by the Home Office’s contractor professionally and humanely.”
