In a deeply troubling development, approximately 1,400 refugees in Glasgow are on the brink of eviction as the Mears Group, a government-contracted organisation responsible for housing asylum seekers, faces mounting pressure to free up space. This unsettling situation has ignited protests and appeals for action from local advocacy groups, notably Living Rent, a prominent tenants’ union in Glasgow.
Living Rent members are actively distributing letters to housing associations across the city, urging them to denounce Mears’ eviction plans, leverage their vacant properties to shelter those displaced, and reconsider any future affiliations with the contentious company.
The urgency of the matter is compounded by the Home Office’s swift processing of asylum claims, an initiative aimed at clearing a growing backlog. Consequently, Mears Group finds itself hastily seeking additional housing capacity, resulting in the impending eviction of vulnerable refugees.
While the granting of refugee status is a positive step, concerns are rising among charities about the lack of foresight in addressing the housing needs of these individuals post-eviction. This situation further strains an already beleaguered system, especially with Glasgow City Council declaring a housing emergency in November.
Over the final three months of 2022, the council processed around 1,500 homelessness applications, prompting Council Leader Susan Aitken to caution that the fast-tracking plan could impose a staggering £53 million cost on the council for administration.
Expressing their anxieties, an anonymous Mears tenant, recently granted refugee status, stated, “I am uncertain about my future accommodation, and this deeply concerns me. Moving schools again would be incredibly challenging for my children. Staying in a hotel is not suitable for children – ensuring their safety and proper sustenance is my priority.”
Glasgow’s Housing Associations have a history of supporting asylum seekers and refugees. In 2018, many associations took a stand against Serco when it threatened to leave 300 asylum seekers homeless. However, the present situation poses a fresh challenge, with the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) cautioning that nearly 1,400 refugees granted status could face homelessness, placing unprecedented strain on an already overstretched homelessness service.
Sarah (a pseudonym), a former Mears tenant and member of Living Rent, shared her disheartening experience, saying, “I arrived in the UK with hopes and dreams, seeking safety. However, the UK Home Office’s hostile environment shattered those hopes. Surviving without basic housing rights during my asylum process was incredibly challenging.”
Bianca Lopez, Chair of Glasgow Living Rent, emphatically opposed the evictions, stating, “We will not allow Mears to take these actions against some of the most vulnerable people in our city. Housing associations under contract with Mears should join our calls to exert pressure on Mears to cease evictions.”
Lopez drew attention to the significant contracts Mears has secured from the Home Office, surpassing one billion pounds, to provide housing for asylum seekers. She added, “Despite receiving substantial funds from UK taxpayers, Mears is poised to evict 1,400 refugees, seemingly with little regard for those under their care.”
As the community rallies against these evictions, mounting pressure is directed at housing associations and authorities to intervene. This situation not only spotlights systemic issues in the asylum process but also underscores the imperative for a comprehensive and compassionate approach to housing vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the unfolding housing crisis in Glasgow demands immediate attention and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of refugees. The community’s plea for housing associations to condemn Mears’ actions underscores the collective responsibility to protect the rights of those seeking refuge. As events evolve, it becomes paramount for all involved parties to prioritise human rights and work towards sustainable solutions for the affected individuals.
