DESPITE numerous letters from Glasgow City Council the UK’s Home Secretary continuously fails to engage with members to improve the city’s asylum system.

At a full council meeting last week, councillor Kim Long of the Green Group asked whether the local authority would review its position in supporting Mears Group’s decision to house mothers and babies in unsuitable accommodation.

Councillor Long said: “Will the council, through its role in the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSPC), review its position on supporting Mears Group’s decision to house mothers and babies in accommodation, which is clearly below acceptable standard, and where asylum seeking children do not have the same access to rights as other children?”

SNP convener councillor Jen Layden highlighted that legislation states that the duty to support and accommodate families with children and belongs directly to the home secretary.

The health secretary doesn't have to accept Glasgow City Council’s recommendations on the matter and the local authority has no power to veto any proposed accommodation.

Ms Layden said: “The HSPC have both had engagement with COSLA and Mears on this. As most issues relating to immigration in the city our hands are tied as a local authority. The immigration policy lies directly at the door of the Home Secretary.

“We did try in the early stages to take over accommodation support as a local authority but despite numerous letters from this council, MPs, COSLA and the Scottish Government Priti Patel refuses to engage proactively to help deliver a dignified and humane asylum system in this city.

“Our officers are doing what they can do under the legislated powers.”

Mears Group has said the mother and baby unit in Glasgow is a dedicated facility to support mothers, babies and vulnerable woman.

The claim the facilities can provide a very positive setting for mothers and their children who could otherwise be isolated in the community.

A spokesperson said: “The aim is to provide accommodation, along with access to healthcare and other support services, that is designed to best meet the needs of mothers and babies.

“There has been considerable investment in the building and the facility has been refurbished to a high standard. We discussed the building in depth with Glasgow City Council and with COSLA and both organisations supported the proposal and approved its use through the established protocols.

"We have had strong support from the statutory agencies for the facility, including social workers and the NHS teams who we work in partnership with. The Glasgow Partnership Board has supported the development of the facility.”