Councillor Criticises Government Plans to Use HMOs for Asylum Seekers in Bolton

Strategic Insights -

Cllr David Grant has spoken out against the proliferation of House of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) in Bolton, citing concerns over the impact on local communities and residents. Under Operation Scatter, the government plans to move asylum seekers out of costly hotels and into HMOs across the country, but critics argue that this is being done without proper consideration for the communities that will be affected. Cllr Grant claims that Serco, the government contractor responsible for housing asylum seekers, is targeting areas to "mass advertise" and convince landlords to convert their properties into HMOs, leading to a proliferation of HMOs in the same area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Councillor David Grant has raised concerns over the proliferation of HMOs in Bolton, citing the lack of facilities for migrants and the impact on local communities.
  • Serco, the government contractor responsible for housing asylum seekers, is accused of targeting areas to "mass advertise" and convince landlords to convert their properties into HMOs.
  • The new rules in Bolton, which require full planning permission for HMOs, will allow the public to raise objections before the application is considered and may also put it before the planning committee.
  • The change in rules aims to address the concerns over the impact of HMOs on local communities and residents.
  • Cllr Grant has stated that the influx of HMOs is causing problems for families, damaging friendships and community cohesion, and driving up the price of family rental properties.
  • Residents living next door to HMOs have reported noise and disturbance from the occupants, due to the 24-hour lifestyle of asylum seekers.
  • Stuart, a resident who lives next door to an HMO, has reported that the house itself is not fit for purpose, with six people living in the three-bedroom property.
  • Bradshaw Hall and Deacon House have been identified as HMOs operated by Serco, with no plans for more bedspaces to be provided in Bolton.

Statistics:

  • 6 people are living next door to Stuart in a three-bedroom HMO.
  • £3,000 a month is the amount that some landlords are receiving for renting out their properties as HMOs.
  • 5 years is the length of the contract that some landlords are signing with Serco.
  • 8 miles is the distance from Horwich to Bolton, where all migrant facilities are located.
  • 1st June is the date when Bolton Council's cabinet agreed to bring in an Article Four direction, requiring full planning permission for HMOs.
  • [No specific statistics mentioned in the article.]

Sources:

  • Cllr David Grant, local councillor for Horwich South and Blackrod.
  • Serco, government contractor responsible for housing asylum seekers.
  • BBC Radio 4, where Cllr Grant spoke about the issue.
  • Bolton Council, which has agreed to bring in an Article Four direction to require full planning permission for HMOs.