Extra funding announced to help Glasgow asylum seekers facing eviction

More than £100,000 in funding has been announced to help asylum seekers in Glasgow who are being threatened with eviction.

A rolling lock change eviction process for those not given refugee status had been announced by accommodation provider Serco.

The firm, contracted by the Home Office, announced a temporary reprieve on the plans last week in the face of legal challenges and protests.

Now the Scottish Government has given £110,000 to the Destitute Asylum Seeker Service.

It will allow three partner charities to double their capacity to support people and provide accommodation, over six months.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: "While we welcome the pause in the issue of lock change notices, this is only a temporary measure, and the fact remains that destitution and homelessness are built into the current asylum system - placing hundreds of people at risk.

"We all have a moral duty to do what we can to help those most in need and this additional funding, while a short term solution, will provide urgent assistance needed.''

After Serco announced the lock change plans last month, Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken wrote to Home Secretary Sajid Javid warning it risks a "humanitarian crisis'', leaving those affected out on the streets.

The contractor denies the claim and said it currently pays accommodation for 330 asylum seekers who no longer receive Home Office support.

About a third have been granted leave to remain while the remainder have been refused refugee status.

Eviction plans affect the latter group, which the firm says have no right to remain in the UK.