The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Justice secretary hits out at lock change evictions
HOME OFFICE: Humza Yousaf calls for ‘injection of humanity’ in face of Serco plan
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has insisted the Home Office’s immigration policy requires an “injection of humanity”as legal action to prevent the eviction of asylum seekers has begun.
Housing and homeless charity Shelter Scotland is taking action after accommodation provider Serco issued notices to say it planned to change the locks in cases where asylum applications have been refused and tenants have not moved on.
The charity presented papers at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday on behalf of two asylum seekers facing eviction and the case was continued.
While Serco announced on Saturday it will pause the rolling programme of lock changes ahead of the court case, Mr Yousaf said this would only provide “temporary relief” for those at risk of losing their home.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already spoken out against the proposals and Mr Yousaf said: “I welcome, of course, that Serco have announced a recent halting, but that is just a temporary relief undoubtedly for asylum seekers.
“I would echo the first minister that some much-needed humanity has to be injected into the system.”
As well as legal action, Serco’s plans have sparked protests in Glasgow.
Mr Yousaf spoke out after the head of Serco said he did not know how many people housed in the city would be evicted.
However, chief executive Rupert Soames said it was not true lock change notices would be issued to 330 people.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, he said: “That is the total number of people we are paying for whom Home Office support has ceased.”
Questioned regarding who would be given lock change notices, he said: “We don’t know, because a number of them, hopefully, will move on.
“There are 80 people who have had negative decisions, who are meant to leave the country who we still pay the rent, rate, heating, light for.”
The firm has welcomed the legal action as an opportunity to gain clarity from the courts, although it insisted its approach was “fully within the law”.
Shelter Scotland’s principal solicitor Fiona McPhail said: “Shelter Scotland is pleased that the case brought on behalf of two clients has been continued and we will be able to challenge the so-called ‘lock change’ evictions.
“We will be back in Glasgow Sheriff Court in 21 days.”