The government is working with private companies nationwide (including Serco in the Midlands which covers our district) to try to find housing for people seeking asylum.
The homes these companies look for are not homes owned or managed by housing associations or the council - they are homes owned and managed by private landlords.
How does it work?
- Serco identifies potential properties and notifies the council of the locations to ensure homes are placed in suitable areas.
- Serco approaches the private landlords to negotiate leasing the properties.
- If successfully leased Serco manages the property, handles maintenance, and supports those living there.
Does this affect housing register waiting lists?
- No - the work Serco is doing does not draw on social housing or affect anyone waiting on the council’s housing register.
- Anyone's priority for housing on the register remains exactly the same, regardless of whether any homes are found for asylum seekers in our district.
Why is this in happening?
The government has a legal duty to house people seeking asylum while their claims are being processed - this responsibility is delivered through national arrangements and does not impact on housing register waiting lists in our district.