Councils reveal devastating impact of asylum crisis on local communities as 38,000 migrants in hotels
Councils across the UK are raising alarms over the growing asylum seeker accommodation crisis, with over 38,000 people currently housed in hotels. Local authorities warn that the situation is placing significant pressure on housing markets, schools, community cohesion, and other essential services.
The Home Office’s “cluster limit” policy aims to ensure that no more than one asylum seeker is housed for every 200 local residents. However, councils like Middlesbrough and Durham have reported that asylum accommodation is often concentrated in deprived areas, leading to housing shortages and social tensions. Middlesbrough Council highlighted that the lack of focus on community cohesion has exacerbated issues, while Durham County Council noted opposition to the conversion of family homes into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) for asylum seekers.
Other councils have echoed these concerns. Essex County Council reported extreme pressure on school places, particularly in Chelmsford, while Eastbourne Borough Council warned that housing asylum seekers in seafront hotels has negatively impacted the local tourism economy. Coventry City Council accused Home Office contractor Serco of driving up rents, making housing unaffordable for local residents.
Kent County Council and Tamworth Borough Council also highlighted the strain on housing markets, with Kent noting that the continued procurement of properties by Home Office contractors is exacerbating the issue. Devon County Council criticized the placement of asylum seekers in unsuitable locations lacking infrastructure or community support.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for greater collaboration to prevent a repeat of last year’s summer riots. Councils like Wolverhampton and Brighton & Hove have reported significant impacts on local services, including housing, safeguarding, and education. Greater Manchester Combined Authority warned that uncoordinated procurement and reliance on highly visible hotel sites have worsened community tensions.
Migration Watch UK’s Alp Mehmet called for the reinstatement of the Rwanda scheme and withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights to address the crisis. Meanwhile, Refugee Action’s Tim Naor Hilton criticized the system for profiting Home Office contractors at the expense of taxpayers and asylum seekers.
The Home Office has acknowledged the challenges, stating its commitment to ending the use of asylum hotels and minimizing the impact on communities. A spokesperson emphasized ongoing collaboration with local authorities to find appropriate solutions.
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