The Home Office has put on hold plans to move up to 83 migrants into a new-build housing development in Stoke Heath, Shropshire, following strong opposition from residents and local officials. Asylum seekers who had already been housed there have been relocated, according to Mark Pritchard, the Conservative MP for The Wrekin.
Background of the Controversy
The row erupted after local residents discovered that outsourcing company Serco had rented 21 homes in the new development for use by asylum seekers. Many locals had believed the properties were intended for social housing, leading to anger and protests. The development predates new Home Office processes that discourage housing asylum seekers in new-build properties to avoid social tensions.
Home Office Response
The Home Office has since stated it has introduced 'robust processes' to ensure that new-build sites like Stoke Heath can 'never be considered again' for asylum seeker accommodation. A senior Home Office official confirmed to MP Pritchard that the scheme is being reviewed by ministers.
MP's Statement
Mark Pritchard told GB News: "As a result of my pressure and the pressure of the local parish council, credit to them, and residents… the current arrangements that will allow more asylum seekers over the next few days have been put on hold. The asylum seekers that were already in place have now been relocated, so currently there are no asylum seekers in Stoke Heath, and the Government have told me tonight if they’re to be believed, a senior Home Office official, and there’s no reason why I should not believe them, is that this scheme is being reviewed by Home Office ministers."
Broader Policy Context
The Labour government has pledged to stop using asylum hotels by the next election, aiming instead to house asylum seekers in the community and former military barracks. This incident highlights the challenges in implementing that policy amid local opposition.
