Having heard from the Home Office with their response on providing asylum accommodation in Waterlooville Town Centre, the Leader of Havant Borough Council has formally requested better engagement going forward on any future accommodation proposals.
Having raised clear concerns in a recent consultation about the unclear level of support the Waterlooville town centre proposal contained, the Leader's letter covered the following key points:
1: Havant Borough Council understands the need to support those most in need and the vulnerable – as a basic human right – deserve the opportunity to be provided with shelter regardless of where they are from.
2: The council recognises the work of the Home Office in meeting the accommodation needs of those seeking asylum in this country.
3: Any successful asylum housing - in the view of the council - relies on the accommodation provided not only being of a suitable standard and in the right location, but also able to successfully integrate into our existing communities.
4: The council believes the support packages provided by the Home Office in conjunction with any such accommodation are critical – not only in providing the day-to-day requirements of those needing housing, but allaying fears and concerns local residents may have about the impact of the proposed housing – be it socially, financially or in accessing their key day-to-day services.
5: The council - quoting the direct example of the proposed Waterlooville accommodation and the absence of detail on the accompanying support the Home Office would provide - asked for more open and detailed dialogues about the support packages they intend to roll out with future accommodation proposals.
The Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Phil Munday stated "Dialogues from the outset - to answer questions, allay fears and remove doubt - are critical when considering the emotive subject of asylum accommodation. We have respectfully asked the Home Office for better early engagement in any future proposals so we are in the best possible position to respond to any further consultations whilst keeping our residents duly informed."