A Dundee councillor has moved to “nip in the bud” a social media storm which he says risks stirring up racial tensions in Dundee.
A post appeared on Facebook on Tuesday evening claiming that 16 foreign families have been given new-build houses in the city, as well as £62 a day and a new car.
The post soon went viral locally, with over 650 shares and thousands of views.
In a bid to stamp out any confusion, the man in charge of housing in Dundee, Councillor John Alexander, has spoken out to describe the claims as “utter nonsense”.
He said: “I can confirm in its entirety that the post is utter nonsense.
“There is not one single element of truth in it and sharing such drivel only encourages that negative image of people who have suffered tremendous hardship in Syria.
“So again, for the avoidance of doubt – there are not 16 families from Syria living in Dundee.
“No one receives a new car as part of the Home Office scheme. No one is given an allowance of £62 a day.
“No one has been given a new build property.
“Hopefully, that nips the issue in the bud!”
Councillor says ‘not one single element of truth’ to foreign family housing claims sweeping through Dundee