Exclusive: Havering Council Says ‘No’ to Housing Asylum Seekers ‘Our Residents Come First.’

Havering Council has taken a firm and unapologetic stand in putting local residents first, after declining a Government request to house asylum seekers in the borough.

Speaking to The Havering Daily, Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Housing Demand, made it clear that Havering simply cannot take on additional pressure while facing a deepening housing crisis of its own.

The Government, facing mounting criticism over the huge cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels, asked councils across the country if they were willing to provide accommodation. Havering Council responded with a firm no, stating clearly that it is already struggling with a severe housing shortage and rising costs for temporary accommodation.

Cllr Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Housing Demand, said:

“The Government sent a request to Councils last year, asking them to help house asylum seekers.

“Havering Council declined this request, given that we are already facing a housing shortage in the borough, and spending over budget on temporary accommodation.

“While I sympathise with anyone who is seeking asylum in the UK, we need all available homes to go towards helping the residents of Havering who are entitled to social housing and are facing a long waiting list.”

Havering has long struggled with high demand for social housing, and residents have repeatedly voiced their frustrations about overstretched infrastructure, pressure on GP services, school places and transport. The council has maintained that taking on additional housing responsibilities would only worsen the situation for those already waiting.

Havering Council’s decision has been welcomed by many residents who believe the authority is right to draw a clear line, protect local services, and prioritise the people of Havering during an ongoing housing crisis.

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