Scheme to buy new housing for asylum seekers in County Durham paused by Government
Housing provider Mears confirmed that it would not purchase any new properties for three months following an agreement with the Government. The decision was made due to the 'sufficient capacity' in County Durham, the Home Office said.
Mears said the temporary pause will allow for further engagement and to 'reflect on lessons learned,' but will not affect new properties in the pipeline.
Home Office data up to March 31 shows there were 445 asylum seekers housed in County Durham.
Reform UK said it hopes the news will be the first step toward a 'permanent freeze' on new asylum accommodation in County Durham. The party claimed Durham County Council had been the only remaining authority in the North East where new asylum accommodation could be bought, as others had reached capacity.
The council's Deputy Leader Darren Grimes said local areas have been affected by an influx of requests for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The Reform councillor added: 'Mears, doing the Home Office's bidding, have been hoovering up properties in our most deprived communities - Ferryhill, Stanley - areas already stretched to breaking point.'
Mears said property proposals are submitted to local authorities and police to ascertain any potential cause for concern.
A spokesman added: 'We recognise that asylum accommodation needs to be distributed fairly across the country and we continue to work with the Home Office to support that aim.'
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'In County Durham, we have worked closely with local partners to ensure accommodation is safe, appropriate, and compliant with contractual standards. Following internal discussions with the Home Office over the past few months, we have agreed to a short pause on new property procurement in the area.
'This allows time for further engagement with local stakeholders and to reflect on lessons learned.'
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The decision to pause is a Home Office decision, not a Mears Group decision. It has been made because we believe we have sufficient capacity in County Durham."
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