New home providers for Glasgow’s refugees

The UK Government’s contract to provide accommodation to people seeking refugee protection in Scotland will be delivered for the next seven years by the Mears Group.

After seven years of multinational security firm Serco overseeing the contract in Scotland, it is hoped by many that this is a chance for a different provider to take a new approach and to put the rights and dignity of each individual at the heart of the service.

Scottish Refugee Council’s Policy Officer Graham O’Neill said:
“Over the last seven years we’ve seen too many examples of the impact poor quality accommodation has on people, particularly on children, pregnant women and parents. We’ve heard how people have been left in despair after being treated with a lack of dignity and respect from accommodation staff and how frightened people were after Serco locked people out of their homes.

“It is time for a new approach and in Glasgow we welcome this new chapter in supporting people seeking refugee protection.

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Image credit: Takver, Flickr