Although The T&A is aware of the identity of the building, in York, we have chosen not to name it due to concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable people who live there. Last month, The Press, the T&A’s sister paper, reported that York City Council said the city had been chosen by the government – along with other cities – to offer accommodation to families and couples seeking asylum. Councilor Darryl Smalley, the council’s Liberal Democrat executive member for communities, said York would welcome and support those fleeing war and persecution. But he condemned the government’s approach as “failed, costly and inhumane”. Speaking today (November 7), Cllr Smalley hit out at the Home Office. He said: “It is an absolute nightmare to withdraw accurate information from the Home Office. “We are being told conflicting information in terms of the type of people who will be using the hotel and the security arrangements and this makes it difficult for the council to be sure what we need to prepare for. “Initially – in October – we were told he would be with us in a few weeks, now we’re being told it might be pushed back to December.” A Home Office spokesman said they could not comment on the specific arrangements for York. He said: “Asylum seekers who would otherwise be in need are given support while we consider their application for international protection. “This includes free accommodation and utilities as well as a weekly allowance and additional benefits for families with a baby or toddler staying in emergency hotels. Asylum seekers in hotels are provided with three meals a day.” Cllr Smalley said that while hotels were better than tents, he had “very serious concerns” about the increased use of such accommodation by the Home Office to house asylum seekers. He said: “This is a short-term solution and an incredibly expensive and failed strategy. York’s recent experience of the Home Office using a local hotel to house asylum seekers is the clearest evidence yet that we need a better, more comprehensive and humane approach . “It has been shown time and time again that it is better for asylum seekers to be housed in communities. The government must move away from its current dangerous and morally bankrupt anti-refugee rhetoric and draw up long-term plans to support those fleeing danger, using public money more effectively to house people in communities and allow them the right to work.” . York council said the Home Office is booking and paying for hotels and serviced apartments for families in the city centre. Temporary accommodation in York will be provided for a minimum of three months. The council will coordinate additional support with the city’s community and voluntary sector, it said. Mears Group, the government’s contractor supporting asylum seekers, is also working alongside local voluntary groups, health services, education providers, North Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Immigration to provide additional support. Paul Wordsworth, co-ordinator of York City of Sanctuary, said: “The men, women and children who come to York do so as asylum seekers. Their applications are examined by the Ministry of the Interior. They are not in the country illegally. They are protected under international law to which the UK is currently a signatory. “Institutional and voluntary agencies worked together with a previous placement in York. It was a good model. We will do it again, in the hope that the arrivals will experience York as a city of refuge. I call on all people of good will to support us. ” Refugee Action York will be updated with more information about any collections or appeals once visitor needs are known. Anyone wishing to offer their own support can visit here to donate money.
