A GROUP representing Glasgow's asylum seeker population has hit out at proposals put forward by a city taskforce.

The Asylum Seeker Housing (ASH) Project have criticised the work of the Glasgow Asylum Taskforce, set up the council to help those affected by potential lock changes by housing provider Serco.

Although the proposal has been postponed while a battle its legality is concluded, campaigners remain concerned about the possibility of asylum seekers being left destitute as a result.

Following the publication of a report by the taskforce last week, campaigners have criticised the absence of recommendations to provide accommodation and support for up to 400 asylum seekers who are affected by the proposed lock changes, as well as the lack of support planned for " some of the most vulnerable people" in Glasgow.

READ MORE: Council plan to allow asylum seekers to work in Glasgow

Sheila Arthur, manager of the ASH Project, said: "We are disappointed the taskforce did not include how it would support people affected by the mass evictions.

"We welcome this report as a long-term goal but we have a short-term humanitarian crisis which could affect 400 people within months.

"Unfortunately therefore, the obvious and only conclusion is that Glasgow City Council is simply not committed to assisting these extremely vulnerable people.

Other organisations, such as Living Rent, MORE and the Unity Centre, have echoed these calls and held a protest outside the City Chambers earlier this week.

They, alongside the ASH Project, want Glasgow City Council to give "an immediate guarantee of emergency accommodation" and a commitment to real change to social care services available to asylum seekers.

The coalition also feel that more support, including financial backing, should be given to organisations providing assistance to destitute asylum seekers.

READ MORE: Call for probe into claim council knew about asylum seeker lock change plan

Council officials have said the taskforce, a joint venture with the Home Office and other stakeholders, gives them a chance to further influence and reform UK Government policy, which they currently oppose.

Councillor Jen Layden, Glasgow’s city convener for equalities and human rights, said: “In the last few days we have put forward proposals to the UK Government which could put into effect one of the biggest transformations in the asylum system. It would allow asylum seekers to work and remove the demand for them to travel to the south east of England to register. I remain optimistic the Government will look favourably on these proposals, which would not otherwise have been considered but for the efforts of the taskforce.

“The City Government will continue to take every opportunity to make it clear to the Home Office that changes to the system are required, not least that local authorities and not the private sector should provide asylum accommodation and be funded accordingly to provide appropriate levels of support for asylum seekers in the city.”

Glasgow’s Chief Social Worker, Susanne Millar, added: “We will continue to work with Third Sector partners and the Scottish Government, to go as far as we can, within the existing Westminster legal framework, to support people whose asylum claim has been refused by the Home Office, leaving them with no recourse to public funds.”

Read more of today's top Glasgow stories.