Question reference: S6W-14573
- Date lodged: 2 February 2023
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 9 February 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will no longer need the MS Ambition beyond the current contract end date of 31 March 2023.
Answer
The use of MS Ambition was always intended to be a temporary measure and the contact will end on 31 March. Our Priority now is on moving people safely from the ship and towards longer-term accommodation. As part of the joint Glasgow City Council-Scottish Government ‘Disembarkation Strategy’, the council is leading a regional approach with neighbouring authorities to maximise the number of suitable volunteer hosts and social housing opportunities for guests on board. Where a guest refuses a host or social housing offer or where there is no suitable alternative they will be allocated further welcome accommodation before the closure of MS Ambition. However, this may be in a different part of Scotland.