Greens call for re-negotiation of asylum seeker contract

The intention of the UK Borders Agency to terminate the contract for accommodation and support services to asylum seekers with Glasgow City Council announced on 5th November 2010 is not acceptable to a range of individuals, communities and organisations across the city. This contract ending will bring enormous upheaval and distress to the lives of vulnerable asylum seekes and their families.

Cllr Alderslowe, Green Councilor for Southside Central said "We are asking for re-negotiations to take place before the contract between Glasgow City Council and the UK Borders Agency runs out in February 2011. In the interests of respecting the rights of asylum seekers, and in particular those with existing mental health difficulties, it is not appropriate to force them to move and jeopardise their access to high quality services provided by the Council."

Cllr Alderslowe added, "Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government should use all available powers through the Rent Act to ensure that acceptable living conditions are met service providers, the Ypeople and especially the Angel Group. Everyone involved in providing accommodation for asylum seekers in Glasgow should sign up to a charter of best practice for landlords and commit to not use the Police to evict people from the existing homes".


Notes

Background information on campaign to re-negotiate the contract available fom Positive Action in Housing at http://www.paih.org/Home.html

Information about best practice charter available from UNITY Centre - http://unitycentreglasgow.org/