Inquiry hears issues in closing migrant hotels

ESTATE agents and insurance companies are frustrating efforts to close migrant hotels, according to an accommodation provider.

- MICHAEL KNOWLES

Clearsprings Ready Homes have told an inquiry that estate agents would rather work with individuals than companies, and said insurance firms are increasing premiums when they discover asylum seekers are being moved into homes.

Asylum accommodation provider Serco, which operates in the West Midlands, told the enquiry that planning rules and refurbishment costs are also preventing hotels from being closed.

The Home Affairs Select Committee heard that around 32,000 asylum seekers are housed in about 210 hotels.