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2d ago

Portsmouth Council Reveals 55 HMOs Are Housing Asylum Seekers Without Notification

The Home Office says expanded use of private rentals will cut expensive hotel stays

Amanda Martin, the Labour MP for Portsmouth North, and Dame Diana Johnson, the Home Office minister
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Overview

  • Portsmouth City Council discovered last week that 55 privately rented HMOs are each housing at least three asylum seekers without any prior council awareness.
  • Council officials have filed a formal complaint with the Home Office over an administrative gap that requires no notification for HMO placements.
  • Clearsprings Ready Homes data show the number of HMO properties used for asylum accommodation in Portsmouth rose from ten in 2019 to 58 by April 2024.
  • The Home Office defends its policy of subcontracting firms like Clearsprings and Serco to expand dispersal and reduce reliance on costly hotels.
  • Local services and housing markets are under strain, prompting intensified political objections and street protests against unannounced asylum placements.