Allegations against company unproven

An inquiry has cleared a firm that houses asylum seekers of
intimidation, breaching people’s human rights and providing
inadequate accommodation.

Landmark Liverpool Ltd was investigated over its contract with the
National Asylum Support Service to house single asylum seekers in
two tower blocks in Liverpool.

During the two-year contract, Nass received complaints about
overcrowding, Landmark’s failure to improve living conditions, and
allegations of intimidation against asylum seekers who
complained.

Complaints came from councils, local groups, individuals, the
health service, refugee support groups and other voluntary
workers.

Although the inquiry found there was no material breach of the
contract and that allegations about intimidation and human rights
breaches could not be proven, it added: “Neither Nass nor Landmark
paid sufficient attention to the needs or rights of the individual
asylum seekers.”

The inquiry report calls on Nass to introduce a new complaints
procedure to ensure confidentiality for resident asylum seekers and
to appoint a full-time contract manager to oversee and monitor its
performance.

The Home Office claimed it had implemented or accepted in principle
the main recommendations. Home Office minister Beverley Hughes
said: “I have already made clear I expect Nass to make a
step-change in the way that it deals with asylum seekers,
accommodation providers and local agencies.”