BASILDON Council has voted to lobby the Government for urgent changes to the way asylum accommodation is managed, particularly the use of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the borough.
In a motion proposed by Council Leader Cllr Gavin Callaghan and supported by five Cabinet Members, including an accepted amendment, the Council committed to three key actions aimed at protecting local families and preserving community stability:
Lobbying Government – The Council will continue to press for fairer national dispersal policies and oppose the use of HMOs in Basildon for housing asylum seekers.
Engaging with Local Businesses – Letters will be sent to all hotel owners across the borough, requesting assurances that they will not convert their premises into asylum accommodation.
Balancing Compassion and Fairness – The Council reaffirmed its commitment to a policy that respects the rights and dignity of asylum seekers, while prioritising the needs of Basildon families.
Commenting on the motion, Cllr Callaghan said:
“Basildon’s family housing is already under significant pressure. The use of HMOs by private landlords and Home Office contractors risks further destabilising our communities and worsening an already unfair situation.
“There are currently no hotels or Council-owned homes in Basildon being used to house asylum seekers. However, we remain concerned by the conduct of Home Office contractors, whose actions have led to working-class Basildon families being evicted from their homes.
“These practices are unacceptable. Companies exploiting the housing crisis for profit should be removed from Government contracts immediately.”
The Home Office is responsible for placing asylum seekers in temporary accommodation, including hotels and HMOs, while their applications are processed. Local authorities are not involved in these placement decisions.
Cllr Callaghan added:
“Basildon has a proud history of welcoming those fleeing war and persecution. Our residents are compassionate and supportive. But compassion must go hand in hand with fairness.
“Right now, the system is failing everyone – asylum seekers and, more importantly, Basildon residents. This Council will continue to fight for a system that works for all.”
The Council further resolves to:
Protect Family Homes and Local Streets
This Council resolves to begin the immediate process to implement Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights that currently allow the conversion of family homes into small HMOs without planning consent, subject to evidence.
Subject to the implementation of any Article 4 Directive, require all such conversions to be subject to full planning applications moving forwards.
Audit and Enforce Against Unlawful Use
Carry out a full audit of all properties in Basildon used by the Home Office or its contractors for asylum accommodation.
Where breaches of planning or licensing rules are found, take appropriate steps and measures to remedy including and up to enforcement injunctions where required.
