By STEWART PATERSON

A HOME Office Minister has refused to give a guarantee that lock changes will be halted during a meeting with councillors and officials in Glasgow.

Caroline Nokes, UK Immigration Minister, visited the city after the plan by Serco to change locks and evict more than 300 asylum seekers caused outrage.

The planned evictions have been suspended and legal action is underway to prevent the asylum seekers being thrown out of their homes.

Following the meeting, Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council said progress was made but she was looking for the lock change policy to be stopped.

Ms Aitken said: “Ms Nokes and her officials have been left in no doubt that lock changes and evictions are not good for anyone, and do not have support within the city.

“Whilst she was unable to give a guarantee that they would not continue, we have made significant progress.

“However, we will continue to join with partners across the city to campaign for this policy to be changed.”

The Home Office did agree to a council request to be able to individually assess the needs of each of the 330 Asylum seekers who are affected by the notices.

Serco, the private company who has teh contract to house Asylum Seekers said it could no longer house people who had their application rejected and were no longer being funded by the Home Office.

Caroline Nokes, Immigration Minister said it would share information

She said: “I met with Glasgow City Council and had a constructive discussion in relation to support for asylum seekers and failed asylum seekers who could be at risk of destitution.

“We will continue to work with COSLA, Glasgow City Council and NGOs to ensure that asylum seekers in Glasgow receive the appropriate support.”

A Home Office Spokesman said: “UK Visa and Immigration are currently assessing the 330 cases to identify the next best steps for each individual.

“We have agreed to share appropriate information with Glasgow Council once we have completed the work”.