Havering leaders are expected to say no to any plans to house asylum seekers in council properties, as local leaders warn the borough is already at breaking point and cannot cope with further pressure on public services.
Havering and Redbridge Reform Greater London Authority Member Keith Prince has hit out at the Labour Government’s plans to look to local councils to house asylum seekers in council owned properties in a bid to end the use of hotels.
Mr Prince, who is also a Squirrels Heath ward councillor, spoke exclusively to the Havering Daily and said Havering must stand firm against any such move.
“As a council we need to stand forthright against any moves by the Labour Government to place asylum seekers in Havering. Havering is at breaking point. Our local services are on their knees and the most clear example of this is Queen’s Hospital. Any unneeded added pressure on our services locally must be completely opposed.”
The Government’s proposal would see councils expected to provide housing for asylum seekers as part of a nationwide strategy to phase out hotel accommodation. However, Mr Prince says this would come at a direct cost to local residents.
“The scheme would mean council houses would be used to house asylum seekers. But Havering already struggles to house its own residents, with housing being one of the key issues facing the council. We simply do not have the infrastructure to support the arrival of further people.”
He again highlighted Queen’s Hospital as a critical pressure point.
“Queen’s Hospital is already stretched to its limits. Anyone who lives in Havering knows that. Adding further demand onto health services, housing and social care would be irresponsible.”
Mr Prince said he expects Havering Council to refuse to take part in the scheme and urged local housing bodies to stand alongside residents.
“I hope that the Havering Residents Association will stand alongside Havering residents and oppose any move by Labour to place asylum seekers here in Havering.”
It is believed Havering Council will not agree to participate in the scheme, which is voluntary for local authorities. With housing shortages, long waiting lists and pressure on frontline services already dominating local politics, opposition to the proposals is expected to be strong across the borough.
As the national debate over asylum accommodation intensifies, Havering appears set to draw a clear line, with local leaders warning that the borough cannot and should not be asked to take on more when residents themselves are struggling to access housing, healthcare and basic service.
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