A LIVERPOOL screening unit for asylum seekers is being ordered to make a number of “urgent” improvements to its facilities.
It follows an unannounced inspection of the Reliance House unit, run by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), in Water Street.
The independent chief inspector, John Vine, said that more work needed to be done to improve conditions at the asylum screening unit, for both staff and customers.
In his report, published today, Mr Vine said: “When we interviewed managers and staff, they told us that the accommodation for both staff and customers was neither welcoming nor clean.”
The report goes on to say that the accommodation was “dirty, with stained carpets and seats, as well as torn upholstery in evidence.”
Mr Vine adds: “Staff told us that there were regularly complaints about carpets being infested with biting insects, necessitating the carpets having to be sprayed with chemicals.
“We also noted torn posters displayed on the wall – many of which were out-of-date.
“Although there was a disabled toilet available, we noted that this doubled as a baby changing facility. This could cause problems, given the number of families waiting with children.”
