ALL asylum seekers embroiled in the lock change row are to be individually assessed by Glasgow City Council.
Immigration minister Caroline Nokes agreed to the move following a meeting with council leader Susan Aitken on Monday to discuss the eviction process planned by Home Office contractor Serco.
The firm, who have announced a temporary reprieve in the face of legal challenges and protests, are seeking to evict those who have been refused the right to asylum and are no longer receiving funding.
Following the “constructive” meeting, Ms Aitken said: “While it is helpful that Serco has paused the lock change programme, what we are seeking is an end to lock changing regardless of the outcome of any imminent court actions.
“Until then there are other changes the Home Office can make and we also discussed the need for protocols for sharing data on those seeking asylum and where they are in the process.
“There is currently little clarity about the actual status of the 330 people affected, therefore it is essential that Glasgow City Council has the time and opportunity to carry out individual assessments for all of them and ensure that everyone gets the right support and outcome for their circumstances.
“The Minister agreed this was necessary and her officers have committed to engaging constructively with us to ensure this is put in place.
“Ms Nokes and her officials have been left in no doubt that lock changes and evictions are not good for anyone, and do not have support within the city.
“Whilst she was unable to give a guarantee that they would not continue, we have made significant progress.
“However we will continue to join with partners across the city to campaign for this policy to be changed.”
The minister is due to meet Serco and the Scottish Government on Wednesday.
After Serco announced the lock change plans last month, Ms Aitken wrote to Home Secretary Sajid Javid warning it risks a “humanitarian crisis”, leaving those affected out on the streets.
Serco denies the claim and said it currently pays accommodation for 330 asylum seekers who no longer receive Home Office support.
About a third have been granted leave to remain while the remainder have been refused refugee status.
Serco eviction plans affect the latter group, which the firm says have no right to remain in the UK.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has written to Ruth Davidson, urging her to “break her silence” on the issue and put pressure on the government to halt the evictions.
In response, the Scottish Conservative leader said she met Serco chief executive Rupert Soames last week to discuss the eviction proposals.
She endorsed statements from leader of the Conservative group on Glasgow City Council, David Meikle, calling for clarity and a solution to the “potential crisis”, and from Tory MSP Adam Tomkins.
Mr Tomkins said “if people whose applications have been rejected are housed indefinitely, that is manifestly unfair to others with genuine asylum claims”.
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