Title

HOUSING

Homelessness fears over asylum fast-tracking

The largest city councils in England and Scotland fear that Government plans to speed up asylum decisions will result in thousands of people facing homelessness.

The largest city councils in England and Scotland fear that Government plans to speed up asylum decisions will result in thousands of people facing homelessness.

Under the Government's streamlined asylum process, applications will be processed for 1,000 asylum seekers in Birmingham and 2,500 in Glasgow by the end of the year.

Birmingham City Council warned the increased rate would ‘without doubt' lead to a rise in homelessness.

Costs of supporting people with housing will fall on councils, with Glasgow City Council estimating a £50m financial impact.

This week, immigration minister Robert Jenrick confirmed plans to begin moving asylum seekers out of hotels.

Glasgow leader Susan Aitken said the Home Office ‘thinks closing hotels will convince voters it is delivering on its ugly rhetoric about getting tough on asylum – when all it is actually doing is moving people around like chess pieces.'

She added: ‘Out of sight, out of mind is now the entirety of its asylum policy – even at the risk of a humanitarian crisis in towns and cities across the UK.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow, which is why we have taken immediate action to speed up processing times and cut costs for taxpayers.

‘To minimise the risk of homelessness, we encourage individuals to make their onward plans as soon as possible after receiving their decision, whether that is leaving the UK following a refusal or taking steps to integrate in the UK following a grant.'

HOUSING

Labour looks local

By Cllr Bev Craig | 26 September 2025

As Labour delegates prepare to head to the party conference in Liverpool, Cllr Bev Craig outlines the key reforms impacting local government and signals a re...

HOUSING

Stronger devo can solve the London problem

By Patrick Diamond | 23 September 2025

Relationships between the capital and Whitehall may have improved but its underpowered mayoralty requires urgent fiscal and planning autonomy, argue Jack Sha...

HOUSING

Lib Dems call for council role in asylum hotel approvals

22 September 2025

The Liberal Democrats have called for councils to have a greater role in the use of hotels for asylum accommodation.

HOUSING

'Devolution in name only': Lib Dem Vikki Slade talks local government reform

By Heather Jameson | 19 September 2025

As the Lib Dems head to Bournemouth for their party conference, local government spokesperson Vikki Slade – the former leader of post-reorganisation Bournemo...

Popular articles by Ellie Ames