Havant Borough Council has submitted an official response to accommodation in Waterlooville town centre as proposed by the Home Office. The response – part of a formal consultation process set by the Home Office – outlines both concerns raised by the council and those captured from key stakeholders who were asked by the council to contribute their thoughts.
The council outlines two clear concerns; firstly, that the site is currently not compliant with fire regulations and thus currently not suitable for housing. Secondly, the council would like to engage in further discussion – should the Home Office choose to provide the accommodation – over the level of support that would be provided to keep people safe and to aid community cohesion.
The council submission also highlighted key points raised by local businesses, Members of Parliament, voluntary support organisations and more.
The Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Phil Munday stated “As a council we are utterly committed to doing our part to support the successful integration of asylum seekers into the borough. We recognise the need to support the government programme and will play our part wherever possible. Although we expressed concerns with the proposed Waterlooville site last week, the support provided alongside is key to any successful integration in the future. As such, I will ask the Home Office to ensure that any further proposals outline what they intend to provide from the outset.”
The ultimate decision on whether the proposed accommodation will be provided is made by the Home Office. For more information on the government’s asylum support programme, visit https://www.gov.uk/asylum-support/what-youll-get .