Plans to relocate up to 83 asylum seekers into newly constructed homes in Stoke Heath, Shropshire, have been halted by the Home Office, according to local MP Mark Pritchard. The decision comes after a community meeting where residents voiced concerns about the suitability of the rural location for asylum seekers, citing a lack of amenities and transportation.
The development, located in Dutton Close, consists of 25 new houses built approximately a year ago. Initially, 21 of these properties were earmarked for asylum seekers. The first asylum seekers, including one family who had fled threats in Pakistan, were moved into the newbuilds a fortnight prior to the halt. One family that had moved in has since been relocated to another site.
Residents expressed worries that the remote setting, with the nearest bus stop a 30-minute walk away and the closest supermarket over five miles distant, was not appropriate. Many also felt the houses should be used for affordable housing for local people instead of housing asylum seekers.
Serco, the government contractor responsible for housing asylum seekers, confirmed it had acquired the homes in Dutton Close under the direction of the Home Office. Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, had previously described the plans as 'ill-conceived' and raised the issue in Parliament.
Following a meeting with constituents, Pritchard announced that a senior Home Office official had confirmed a halt on further asylum seekers being moved to Dutton Close and that a review of the entire scheme would take place. He indicated that the Home Secretary would likely be the final decision-maker, especially given recent guidance advising against housing asylum seekers in newbuild accommodations to prevent social tensions.
The government has stated its commitment to phasing out the use of hotels for asylum seekers by 2029, intending to relocate individuals into properties and ex-military sites. The Home Office has also implemented new policies instructing contractors like Serco to avoid sourcing housing that could be perceived as luxurious or located near schools and nurseries.
One asylum seeker, Muhammad Nadeem, who was relocated to Stoke Heath with his wife and four children, reported that they had experienced harassment shortly after moving in. He described being filmed by individuals outside their home and hearing abuse shouted.
A Home Office spokesman reiterated that new homes should not house asylum seekers and that robust processes are now in place to prevent such sites from being considered in the future. Serco stated that the Home Office determines the placement of asylum seekers and the number accommodated in each local authority area.