GLASGOW housing associations have changed the status of refugees living in their homes who are under the threat of eviction.

GHA and Cube Housing Association currently lease 40 and 34 homes respectively in the city to Serco, who are issuing lock-change orders to tenants refused asylum in the UK.

The group have written to Serco’s chief executive Rupert Soames to inform him of its plans to convert the leases of refugees living in its homes, who have a legal right to be in Scotland, into Scottish secure tenancies.

Martin Armstrong, Wheatley chief executive, confirmed the decision to Living Rent tenants’ union.

He added: “Since last week we have been trying, through emails and phone calls to senior managers at Serco, to establish how many, if any, refugees threatened by imminent eviction are living in our homes, and when the evictions are scheduled.

“Despite insisting on an immediate and urgent response, we have not received answers to our questions.”

The letter added: “I can confirm also we have written to Serco chief executive Rupert Soames to inform him we wish to convert the leases of refugees living in our homes, who have a legal right to be in Scotland and the UK, into Scottish secure tenancies. As you know, this ‘flipping’ of the lease agreement would remove the threat of eviction and is something we have carried out successfully previously.

“Glasgow City Council has been made aware of our position on this matter and we have reiterated also our ongoing offer to support them in providing all humanitarian support necessary to the refugees affected by Serco’s actions.”

Maryhill Housing Association has also written to the private housing provider to advise them of the changes in tenancies of those with status in the UK. Bryony Willett, chief executive, confirmed that the housing association has reminded Serco that, under the terms of their lease agreement, they “cannot alter fixture and fittings (including changing the locks) without the association’s consent, which has not been provided”.

She added: “Maryhill has also pledged financial support to Positive Action appeal and have written to key agencies including GCC social services and Positive Action to offer our assistance in any way we can.”

Serco previously said it will “pause” issuing the lock-change ahead of a court challenge following pressure from campaigners, charities and housing associations.

The Home Office contractor said it would not begin enforcing the orders until on-going court action had clarified its position.

A spokesman for Serco said: “We have a continuing dialogue about this issue with all the Housing Associations including both of these.”