Overview
- The programme is expected to create about 900 new or refurbished properties that councils would lease to the Home Office during the pilot before adding them to general social housing.
- Up to 200 local authorities have expressed interest, with Brighton and Hove, Hackney, Peterborough, Thanet and Powys confirming they are keen to take part.
- Officials say the shift reduces reliance on private providers after National Audit Office figures showed accommodation contracts rising from about £4.5bn to £15.3bn between 2019 and 2029.
- Government figures indicate roughly 36,000 asylum seekers are in hotels and around 71,000 are in dispersal accommodation in the private rented sector.
- Critics warn of a likely backlash given 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists, as opposition politicians accuse the plan of setting the wrong priorities.