Following swift and decisive action by Havant Borough Council, a ten-day consultation has been secured with the Home Office in relation to proposed asylum seeker accommodation in Waterlooville town centre.
Communication problems with Clearsprings – a third-party procurement company acting on behalf of the Home Office - resulted in the council not being consulted on Waterlooville Town Centre potentially being used as a dispersal accommodation site for asylum seekers. When made aware, the council promptly took action to secure an opportunity to not only respond to the consultation in an expert manner, but also to clearly promote and articulate local perspectives.
Thanks to a strong and honest dialogue with the Home Office, the reopening of the ten-day consultation was secured within two days. The consultation between Havant Borough Council, Clearsprings and the Home Office will allow the council to formally respond on potential issues such as appropriate placement, community cohesion and other variables that the council is ideally placed to highlight. The council as part of this consultation will secure perspectives and feedback from Councillors, key stakeholders and more to inform their opinion.
In addition to the re-opened consultation, Councillor Phil Munday (Leader of Havant Borough Council) will also be personally meeting with the Home Office on Friday 25 July to highlight his concerns to date.
Councillor Munday stated “The council has unequivocally fought hard to secure the consultation and the means to give our vital local perspective on this important issue. Combined with my imminent Home Office meeting, everything is being done to ensure our voice is heard whilst dealing with a challenge being felt nationally. I look forward to the council providing a response that reflects the concerns of the borough.”
The council will respond to the consultation no later than Friday 1 August. The council will then await the Home Office’s final decision on whether to approve the proposed accommodation.