Statement on placement of asylum seekers in the community
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s leader has commented on the issue of asylum seekers being placed in unsuitable accommodation.
As well as reiterating the authority’s long-standing concerns on the issue, Cllr Simon Tagg has asked the town’s MP to press his Government’s ministers for better implementation of support for those in genuine need and a recognition of local pressures and risks undermining community cohesion.
The Leader spoke out after the High Court granted Epping Forest District Council a temporary injunction to stop 140 asylum seekers living at a hotel in the area.
Simon Tagg said:
There are no hotels in the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme currently being used for this purpose, however we are monitoring developments in the wake of the Epping Forest ruling.
We continue to have concerns around placements into other types of unsuitable accommodation including Houses of Multiple Occupation and short-term lets, often in areas without the necessary support infrastructure.
I have been in discussions with other councils in Staffordshire including the county council for some time about this issue, and the impact on the local community and social cohesion.
I recently raised these issues with the new Leader of Staffordshire County Council to continue making a united approach to central Government.”
The authority is already reviewing the legal position concerning houses of multiple occupancy.
And Newcastle’s Leader has also written to the MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Adam Jogee, asking for his support in dealing with key issues.
Simon Tagg writes:
The borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme has long been a welcoming place. We take pride in our history of supporting individuals and families who choose to make their home here, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our concern is not with the principle of offering support to those in need, but with the manner in which it is being implemented - specifically, the use of accommodation that fails to recognise local pressures and risks undermining both community cohesion and the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.
I therefore urge you to raise this issue with Ministers at the earliest opportunity. It is vital that national policy reflects both the practical realities faced by local authorities and the challenges of the high demand for similar accommodation for local people, students, contract workers and those seeking to visit the borough.
We ask that you advocate for a more collaborative approach between the Home Office, its contractors, and local councils - one that ensures appropriate housing is identified and that communities are properly consulted and supported.”