I perfectly accept the value of social housing. I have no plans to campaign to sell any of it off. Working with the housing corporation and the existing housing associations in London and putting them together with public sector employers and private sector funders can fund tied accomodation for example for key workers. Cedric I certainly think we have to have a serious look at how the current policy is working. I think the answer to all three questions is yes.
Every applicant is entitled to their dignity and to a fair and prompt hearing.
It may be that in order to process applications efficiently applicants need to be directed to reception centres. If that is logistically necessary I would not shrink from it. What is very worrying to me is that the current position does appear to be damaging good community relations in London. When many boroughs are spending more on the problem than they are on their own elderly population, and when housing waiting lists applicants see accomodation being allocated ahead of them they resent the burden. It is not the fault of the asylum seeker but it is most certainly an issue the government has to address urgently.