Photo credit: Scottish Daily Express
A crackdown on hotel stays for asylum seekers in the UK will be “disastrous” for Scotland as thousands try to get homes there,
Daily record reports that as part of a tougher regime for migrants the Home Office has halved the amount of time they can remain in government accommodation such as hotels from 56 days to 28.
After that, those given leave too remain often end up homeless, and thousands are expected to go to Scotland as they have a legal right too be housed there.
The new system took effect on September 1. It could see Scotland face particular problems as a key migrant destination in the country.
Council chiefs and homeless charities are already demanding more support from government to avoid Scotland’s housing emergency being made worse by an influx of refugees.
Glasgow Council leader Susan Aitken criticized the new rules and said, “This is a decision that reeks of panic and pandering.
“It’s hard to see it being anything other than disastrous for refugees and for the communities trying to support them when the Home Office washes its hands.”
Sean Clerkin of the Scottish Tenants Organization said, “The British and Scottish Governments have got to make Glasgow a special case and give the city much more money to house everybody that needs a home including all refugees.
“The Home Office must also introduce a fairer dispersal system – where more refugees are sent to other council areas in Scotland – to take the pressure off Glasgow.”
British Red Cross spokesperson Alex Fraser said, “Reducing the ‘move-on’ period will increase levels of homelessness and destitution for people granted protection and put additional pressure on local authorities.
“Local authorities need 56 days to work with households at risk of homelessness.
“Giving people only 28 days to find work, housing or support isn’t enough time.”
Charities are also afraid those coming north after being thrown out of government hotels will be left “destitute”.
The SNP government in Scotland has called for the Home Office to stop the hotels crackdown.
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