Details have emerged about the widespread areas where taxpayers could be shouldering the rent fees for migrants who cross the Channel. This information has been disclosed via Serco’s website, a private contractor employed by the Home Office and one of three companies operating in this field. Serco’s current spread of operations envelops 120 local authorities, revealing the scale of operations.
News of this emerged after Serco was found to have proposed full rent deals lasting five years to landlords, a cost to be borne by the taxpayer. The company had organized various geographic regions into three distinct sections, the East of England, the North West, and the Midlands, highlighting its intention to expand its reach throughout the country by collaborating with new Local Authorities.
Despite these efforts to establish a widespread presence, the company’s website has indicated a halt in operations in the North West, stating all areas are now closed for Procurement.
A notable assortment of towns located in the East of England have been enlisted, spanning a broad range of communities including Babergh/Mid Suffolk, Breckland, Cambridge, Great Yarmouth, and Norwich, among others. The breadth of locales demonstrates Serco’s expansive reach.
Similarly, a comprehensive list of Midlands’ towns and cities caught the attention, again indicating the extent of Serco’s operations. This list includes prominent places like Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham, coupled with smaller towns like Ashfield, Blaby, and Newark.
Extending its influence, the company has also earmarked several towns and cities in the North West. Focusing on the region that spans from Allerdale to Wyre, it encapsulates areas like Liverpool and Manchester, as well as smaller localities like Bury and Burnley.
The housing market has been under strain with approximately 1.3 million individuals currently on the social housing waiting list. The scarcity of affordable private rentals has significantly ramped up demand, further exacerbating the situation.
Serco’s initiative to offer enticing rental guarantees to landlords has drawn criticism, with a council leader attributing increases in local rental prices, straining services, and social cohesion issues to the company’s actions. The blame, according to the council leader, is falsely placed on councils when it actually lies with the company exploiting taxpayer funds through these strategies.
In response to recent events, a representative from the Home Office stated that the department plans to amplify its cooperation with France and other nations to dismantle the strategic plans of smuggling gangs. The department is also set to enforce stringent regulations under new legislation as part of its efforts.
Contradicting Serco’s post, a department spokesperson iterated that the local authorities listed on Serco’s website were not endorsed by the department. Moreover, these authorities do not reflect existing or upcoming asylum accommodations.
A highlight of this announcement was a firm denial from Serco regarding any potential of government-sanctioned establishment of new accommodations in those areas.
In a statement, Serco clarified the list of councils appearing on their website only refers to local authority areas included in their existing Asylum Accommodation and Support Services contract. This contract with the Home Office has been operating for six years.
Given all this information, it’s clear that the presence of this list does not necessarily imply that the government has plans to procure new accommodation facilities in these regions. The company reinforced the point that it’s simply a reflection of the geographical areas covered under their existing contract with the Home Office.