Key facts
- UK ministers are considering paying higher rents for private rental properties to house asylum seekers.
- The goal is to distribute asylum accommodation more evenly across the country, a policy known as 'dispersal'.
- This approach is seen as a cheaper alternative to hotels, which have seen reduced usage.
- The policy aims to prevent asylum accommodation from being concentrated solely in the most deprived areas.
- Refugee charities support national responsibility but emphasize local authority leadership and adequate support services.
The UK government is contemplating an increase in rental payments for private properties used to house asylum seekers, a strategy aimed at distributing this accommodation more equitably across the nation. This potential policy shift is part of a broader effort to move away from expensive hotel accommodations and prevent the concentration of asylum seeker housing in areas already facing deprivation.
Officials believe that by raising the rent caps for landlords, the Home Office can incentivize a wider range of locations to participate in housing asylum seekers, addressing calls for a national responsibility approach. This aligns with pleas from figures like Andy Burnham for more areas to contribute to accommodating those seeking asylum.
While the policy of dispersing asylum seekers is broadly supported by refugee charities, they stress the importance of local authorities leading the process and ensuring adequate support services are available in these locations. Imran Hussain of the Refugee Council highlighted the need for efficient and accurate decision-making by the Home Office to reduce the overall number of people in the asylum system.
Previous reports, including one from Karen Bradley's home affairs committee, have noted the historical concentration of asylum accommodation in the cheapest, most deprived areas. Government sources suggest that while paying higher rents might seem costly, it remains more economical than the extensive use of hotels, which has already yielded significant savings. The primary objective, they state, is to ensure no single region bears an undue burden.
A government spokesperson confirmed efforts to house asylum seekers fairly nationwide, working with local authorities and addressing community concerns. They noted a substantial decrease in hotel usage since July 2024 and a significant reduction in overall asylum support costs since the last general election.
Some political figures, like Conservative MP Joe Robertson, have expressed concerns that higher rental payments could be less cost-effective for taxpayers. However, researchers like Marley Morris point out that dispersal accommodation, even with potentially higher rents, is fundamentally cheaper than hotels and was previously pursued for equitable distribution.