THE former leader of Edinburgh City Council remains part of a government scheme for accommodating refugees despite quitting over allegations that he sexually harassed Ukrainians fleeing war.
Edinburgh councillor Cammy Day is registered under the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme which allows vulnerable refugees to be accommodated with hosts across the country.
The scheme has seen 18,700 Ukrainians put up in homes in Scotland with the host paid between £350 and £500 a month by the Government.
The funds, which are optional, come from the taxpayer and Day has refused to confirm if he has accepted the payment.
The Sunday Mail can reveal that Day hosts a Ukrainian refugee in one of the four properties he owns in Edinburgh, despite quitting as council leader last month after we revealed he’d sent sexually explicit messages to Ukrainian refugees.
The council has carried out a welfare check on the individual but critics have asked why the ex-Labour council leader is still permitted to be in the scheme.
Simita Kumar, SNP group leader at the council, said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with all individuals who have come forward. We must ensure everyone is supported unequivocally.
“I’m increasingly concerned about the safeguarding of vulnerable adults. If Cllr Day is registered as a sponsor, he must remove himself immediately and I will share my concerns with the chief executive to determine if this can be revoked.”
Day is under council investigation after inspectors found another of his properties had someone living in it despite him not being a registered landlord.
On Day’s register of interests, it states he “part owns” three properties in Edinburgh. Land registry checks confirmed he owns two homes outright and part-owns two others.
Officials are now probing if he is acting as a landlord and if benefiting financially from anyone living in any of his properties.
Sources close to Day said the tenant can be “explained away” and claimed they are a relative. They insisted Day doesn’t receive money from them.
A police probe is also ongoing into claims of inappropriate behaviour, which now includes his communications with Ukrainian refugees.
Disclosure Scotland said: “It is the responsibility of organisations appointing hosts to assess whether a person is, and remains, suitable to host.”
A council spokeswoman said it could not comment and Day did not respond.
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