New asylum laws will force even more into homelessness & destitution

Tougher regime will drive migrants out of hotels to live on the streets Fears over influx of refugees who have legal right to be housed here

- BY NORMAN SILVESTER

A CRACKDOWN on hotel stays for asylum seekers will be “disastrous” for Scotland as thousands try to get homes here, a council leader warned.

As part of a tougher regime for migrants the Home Office has halved the amount of time they can remain in government accommodation such as hotels from 56 days to 28.

After that, those given leave to remain often end up homeless, and thousands are expected to come to Scotland as they have a legal right to be housed here that does not exist in England.

The move comes after often violent protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, which started in Epping in Essex but have also spread to Falkirk, Aberdeen and Perth.

The new system, which took effect on September 1, could see Glasgow face particular problems as a key migrant destination in the country.

Now council chiefs and homeless charities are demanding more support from government to avoid Scotland's housing emergency being made even worse by an influx of refugees.

Glasgow council leader Susan Aitken criticised the new rules, saying: “This is a decision that reeks of panic and pandering.

“It’s hard to see it being anything other than disastrous for refugees and for the communities trying to support them when the Home Office washes its hands.”

Sean Clerkin of the Scottish Tenants Organisation also said more support was needed for Glasgow.

He said: “The British and Scottish governments have got to make Glasgow a special case and give the city much more money to house everybody that needs a home, including all refugees.