Homes help for asylum seekers

Reverend John Simmons

AN Oldham vicar is helping to lead a campaign to improve housing conditions for asylum seekers in the North-West.

Reverend John Simmons, of Christ Church in Block Lane, Chadderton, is also one of the leaders of the Greater Manchester Citizens for Sanctuary group, made up of faith, voluntary and refugee organisations.

The group has already met with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and presented them with their investigation into the state of housing for asylum seekers.

This included the case of one woman forced to sleep with the lights on for four months due to a cockroach infestation. As a result, UKBA officials agreed to investigate specific cases raised, as well as review and improve the way asylum seekers are briefed about the area they will live in.

Rev Simmons said: “This was a great achievement for Greater Manchester.

“The UKBA is taking our requests seriously and we had a productive meeting to discuss solutions to some of the many problems with housing in the North-West.

“For example, they have committed to clarifying the contracts to ensure housing providers know they need to provide a lockable bedroom door or a lockable wardrobe so that people can protect their belongings, something that any human being would see as vital.”

Daniel Murphy, chairman of the UNITE Voluntary Association, which is also a member of the Citizens group, said: “I’m glad the UKBA is now listening to our concerns and we are going to monitor the complaints system over the next few months to ensure housing defects, infestations and faulty appliances are being dealt with quickly and effectively.”

Greater Manchester Citizens for Sanctuary is now looking towards developing a Sanctuary Mark with the UK Border Agency as an indicator of quality for housing providers.