IMMIGRATION

Glasgow refuses permission for asylum barge

The leader of Glasgow City Council has told the Government that the local authority would not give its consent to dock a barge for asylum seekers in the city.

The leader of Glasgow City Council has told the UK Government that the local authority would not give its consent to dock a barge for asylum seekers in the city.

Glasgow said that it had been made aware that the Home Office was exploring a potential site for a barge within the city that could be used to house asylum seekers while they wait for their claims to be processed.

Council leader Susan Aitken tweeted: ‘Glasgow's communities are proud to be beacons of support and integration for asylum seekers and refugees. This is the polar opposite of that.'

A council spokesperson added: ‘The council was made aware that agents working on behalf of the Home Office were exploring a potential site for a barge within Glasgow.

‘The council has made it clear to the Home Office that it does not support such a move.'

A Home Office spokesperson said the Government had a statutory responsibility to provide accommodation for asylum seekers while their claims were considered.

They said: ‘We are committed to making every effort to reduce hotel use and continue to engage with local authorities as early as possible whenever sites are used for asylum accommodation.'

On Monday, the first group of asylum seekers began boarding the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge off the coast of Dorset.

IMMIGRATION

Government returns to 56-day limit for asylum hotels

By Paul Marinko | 09 December 2024

The Government has reversed a move to reduce the time successful asylum seekers can remain in hotels before presenting to councils for support with accommoda...

IMMIGRATION

Regeneration: Fade to grey

By David Blackman | 04 December 2024

David Blackman takes a look at the possible implications of the Government’s green belt shake-up and wider planning reforms for local authorities.

IMMIGRATION

Managing the cost of temporary accommodation: can it be done?

By Jon Coane | 25 October 2024

All involved in the delivery of social and affordable housing must work together to solve the temporary accommodation crisis, says Jon Coane.

IMMIGRATION

K&C chief urges agreement on asylum accommodation price

By Paul Marinko | 24 October 2024

Kensington & Chelsea LBC’s chief executive has called on the Government to agree with councils on how much should be paid to private landlords.

Popular articles by William Eichler