Councils House More Asylum Seekers Than Homeless People, Analysis Reveals

Nineteen council areas in the UK are housing more than ten times the number of asylum seekers compared to homeless households, according to an analysis of government data by the Daily Mail. The findings have intensified criticism of the asylum system and led to outrage, particularly after a case where a heavily pregnant homeless woman was reportedly refused emergency accommodation.

The most significant disparity was observed in Hyndburn, Lancashire, which was accommodating 423 asylum seekers while only 14 homeless households were in temporary accommodation. Across England, over 74,000 asylum seekers were housed as of the end of June, while 123,000 homeless 'households' were in temporary accommodation as of March. Each homeless household is estimated to contain around 2.5 individuals.

Critics argue that the asylum system is having a detrimental impact on support for the most vulnerable Britons. Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, stated that the situation reflects a "two-tiered approach" where "the political class have at every turn prioritised illegal migrants over British citizens."

The controversy was highlighted by the case of a 26-year-old pregnant woman who fled an abusive relationship and sought accommodation in Glasgow. Homeless Project Scotland reported that the woman, 34 weeks pregnant, was refused emergency housing by Glasgow City Council. Volunteers from the charity eventually provided her with temporary shelter. A spokesperson for the Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership stated they were reviewing the case and providing support.

Home Office data indicates that asylum seekers are legally entitled to housing if they require it while their claims are pending. If their claims are successful, they become refugees and are then eligible for full state benefits. Councils are then responsible for their housing if refugees are unable to secure their own. However, councils utilize a priority system for housing allocation based on factors like children and vulnerability.

Asylum seekers receive taxpayer-funded accommodation, NHS healthcare, prescriptions, dental care, and education for children under 18. In contrast, homeless individuals in temporary accommodation receive benefits like Universal Credit, with some hostels offering food. Critics contend that many homeless individuals have contributed to the UK tax system for years, unlike asylum seekers.

There have been instances where local authorities have booked entire hotels for homeless individuals, similar to how the Home Office secures accommodation for asylum seekers. However, councils have reportedly lost out on hotel accommodations due to Home Office contractors outbidding them for space.

In response to the analysis and public concerns, a government spokesperson stated that asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing and do not receive preferential treatment on local housing waiting lists. The government aims to close all asylum hotels by the end of the current parliamentary term, a move expected to save taxpayers £1 billion. The spokesperson added that asylum seekers are being moved into alternative accommodations, such as former military sites, to mitigate the impact on local communities, and that engagement with local authorities and police forces will occur to minimize disruption.