Turning a blind eye
In a recent column in the local government First publication, September issue, fears were raised by a new report based upon findings of the Salvation Army upon the the increasing number of people sleeping rough.
The report is calling on the government to increase homeless support services or the rough sleeping will increase. The Salvation Army warns that families will
be forced into expensive and unsuitable temporary accommodation as councils struggle to manage the increasing growth and spread of the crisis. As a local councillor I am constantly being questioned by people asking why this problem is being exacerbated by the huge influx of illegal migrants currently arriving in the UK?
The current dispersal of these people throughout the country is not only costing huge sums of money but taking up housing that, in the opinion of some, could help those people who are citizens of the UK and through no fault of their own end up on the streets of our towns and cities.
Recently a large number of unescorted children were landed in Dover. Where were their parents?
Again some people believe that their arrival will result in more illegal immigrants claiming to be the parents of the unaccompanied children with the hope they to will be accepted. I believe that people are of the opinion that the government should take a firmer grip of the situation and return the hundreds of illegal immigrants currently crossing the Channel back to France, who despite receiving millions of pounds from our government to impose stricter controls preventing illegals crossing into Britain, are, in my opinion, turning a blind eye to the continuing influx.
“We all have a role to play in saving water.”
G E Howe. Sent via email.