Borough 'should be given greater say' over placements for asylum seekers

Residents want us to 'take stand'

- Phil Corrigan

COUNCILLORS have raised concerns over 'unsuitable' accommodation for asylum seekers in Newcastle - saying local people should have more say on the issue.

Elected members at Newcastle Borough Council are urging the Government to take a 'more collaborative and locally informed' approach to placing asylum seekers.

Newcastle has no asylum hotels but council leaders have expressed concern over the use of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and short-term lets in the borough.

Home Office figures show that, as of June, there were 130 asylum seekers in dispersal accommodation in Newcastle - the number was in single figures until late 2023, but has been rising since.

Newcastle councillors say that inappropriate placements can put extra pressure on public services and cause local tensions while leaving the asylum seekers themselves isolated.