This website uses cookies for anonymised analytics and for account authentication. See our privacy and cookies policies for more information.





The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Scots charity blocked from helping Grenfell victims

This news post is almost 7 years old
 

​Positive Action In Housing says it has volunteers ready to house those made homeless by the disaster

A Scottish charity has offered to come to the aid of people made homeless by the Grenfell Tower disaster.

However, it says its offers have been rebuffed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which has been co-ordinating a response to the tragedy.

In the wake of the devastating fire, which has claimed at least 79 lives and made more than 100 people homeless, those affected were told they would be found accommodation nearby.

However, reports have circulated that people are being relocated hundreds of miles away, while others are still living with relatives and have not been offered accommodation.

Glasgow-based Positive Action In Housing (PAIH) says it has 750 people in London on the register of its Rooms For Refugees programme. The charity says, these people are ready to take in Grenfell Tower residents too.

However, PAIH director Robina Qureshi says “institutional ineptitude” had seen their efforts blocked.

She said: “Kensington & Chelsea Borough Council is rehousing some Grenfell residents in Preston and if people refuse to go they are being told they are intentionally homeless.

"Apparently there are over 100 homeless – people shouldn't be dumped hundreds of miles away without their communities for support.

“You’re talking about very vulnerable people, who may not know their rights, or English may not be their first language or they have limited support networks. They couldn't force the council to make the building safe, how will they deal with what's to come.

“The prime minister promised an entire country they would be housed in or near their schools and GPs and communities. And that's just not happening.”

“Let those that can help, do so.”

A statement from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea said the authority cannot accept any more help right now, but added: “The council would like to thank all those who have made generous donations of accommodation, food, clothing and other items in response to the fire at Grenfell Tower.

“This has been thankfully received and our priority is to distribute what we can.”

 

Comments

0 0
Michael Simpson
almost 7 years ago
I am afraid my comments would Not fall within your adjudicators Limits. What a bunch ******* *******
0 0
Angus McKay
almost 7 years ago
The accommodation being offered by Positive Action in Housing (PAiH) "charity" is that which is being reserved for "destitute" failed asylum seekers. Asylum seekers who have been legally notified their asylum claim has no merit and should leave the UK. Failed asylum seeks who refuse to leave the UK and choose to make themselves and families "destitute." Ms Quershi asks people to accommodate her "destitute" in their homes.Positive Action in Housing is now a registered business, ie, Positive Action in Housing Limited. One employee received renumeration between £60,000 - £69,999 in the period (2015/16). PAiH financial statements don’t show the employee’s name who received the stated £60,000 - £69,999 - the names have been purposely blanked out. As CEO and founder of Positive Action in Housing, Ms Robina Qureshi is the most likely "employee" to be awarding herself an annual salary of £60,000 - £69,999.This is the same Ms Quershi who claims: "Government makes it its policy to starve people out of this country to stop them claiming refuge" - Ms Quershi comes over as doing all right financially out of the supposed plight of her seekers and refugees.
Commenting is now closed on this post