Thursday, 11 November 2010

Latest news on Glasgow Asylum Accomodation Contract

-----Original Message-----
From: src-community-development-forum@googlegroups.com
[mailto:src-community-development-forum@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of mick
Sent: 11 November 2010 11:49
To: SRC Community Development Forum
Subject: Re: Latest news on Glasgow Asylum Accomodation Contract

Good morning colleagues

As you know the situation regarding the future of the housing contract
is developing. Some iformation is emerging that familes are due to be
moved as soon as Monday. It is not clear if this is the start of a
bigger exercise or is related to famles who may have been caught up in
dispersal on the day the contract was suspended. There is a key
meeting today of the Scottish Asylum Stakeholders Forum where the
organsiations involved will be in attendance. I am hoping that the
details of what is happening will become clearer  and will endeavour
to keep you informed if any public information emerges.

I am pleased that most of the Integration networks have conformed that
they intend to come to the CRCG on Monday and we hope to have a
fuller picture by then. I dont sem to have any confrmations of
attaendance from Central and West, Greater Pollock or North Glasgow
Networks other than Jenny. Can collegues try to ensure that the
networks you support are represented as possible.

In related development questions are being raised in the UK and
Scottish parliament about the issue and Graeme Corbet from our policy
team will update you shortly about this.


All the best

Mick


On Nov 8, 3:19 pm, Mick Doyle
<Mick.Do...@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk> wrote:
> Colleagues
>
> Glasgow contract in trouble
>
> Details are emerging about the breakdown in negotiations between the City
Council and UKBA and the impact that this has had on the asylum contract for
Glasgow. You may have seen the press coverage at the weekend which concerned
the matter. If not the link to the Glasgow herald article is below.
>
>  http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/1300-asylum-seekers-may-...
>
> What the SRC are saying
>
> SRC has issued a statement on our website which I would urge you to view
at the link below.
>
> http://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/news_and_events/latest_news/..
> This sets out our position in relation to these worrying developments.  At
this stage, we have very little information beyond what is already in the
letter.  We are trying to gather more information today.
>
> What UKBA are telling  asylum seekers
>
> Attached is a copy of the letter which was sent to claimants in the city.
We believe it concerned about 1300 people across about 600 plus households.
I would urge to read it carefully and be careful that you understand it
correctly before advising anyone locally. I say this partly because a number
of people have contacted me today who have been concerned that asylum
seekers would be required to move within the next three to five days.  Can I
just point out that this timescale has not been triggered as yet.  We are
seeking clarification re whether this is a generic letter to all households
potentially affected or has been sent to specific people likely to move
imminently. We currently belive that the letter which people have received
is a notice of the termination of the contract for the city and not a notice
for individuals or families to move. people to leave their accommodation.
 We understand that would not begin until after the receipt of a second
letter which would also have details of the new accommodation  offer should
the issue develop in this way  I will advise you if this situation changes.
>
> What SRC are  trying to do to respond
>
> I am aware that this could place considerable pressure on your networks
and member organisations. I will provide more information on the situation
as soon as I am able to do so.  Our operations managers and casework staff
are still seeking  information about the situation and how it will be
handled in the coming months. We will be seeking conformation from UKBA how
many letters have been sent and their plans as the situation develops.
>
> Our responses are likely to include:
>
> *         Producing  client information as more details become available
including advocating for translated information where appropriate. We would
hope to have this on our website
>
> *         Responding to urgent request for information via our screeners
and telephone advice line
>
> *         Possibly the provision of group briefings in order to maximise
the impact of advice
>
> *         We will also endeavour to offer assistance  to vulnerable cases
when needed.
>
> It is likely that more information will become available in the next few
days but there would be limited value in referring people here at the moment
until we know more. In the meantime we cannot provide any information other
than outlined in the letters.
>
> It is likely that I will convene a meeting of the CRCG to brief networks
as soon as possible.
>
> In the meantime it would help me if you want to provide details of how the
situation is developing locally and what you are experiencing.  I will
endeavour to monitor the impact and use this to inform our response.
>
> Mick Doyle
>
> Scottish Refugee Council
>
> Please consider the environment before printing this
> email
>
> Scottish Refugee Council
> Scottish Refugee Council is a non governmental organisation and
> the main charity in Scotland providing support to asylum
> seekers and refugees. Scottish charity reference: SC
> 008639
>
>  UKBA - GCC contract termination client letter - Q and A info 10 - 11-
08.pdf
> 198KViewDownload



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