Controversy over Afghan asylum seekers moving into homes after families are evicted
- Ben Leo confronted an Afghan asylum seeker in Bolton regarding the support he receives from the UK government.
- The asylum seeker was informed that his current residence previously housed a single mother and her children who were evicted.
- Local residents express frustration over the increasing number of asylum seekers in Bolton, with calls for policy changes.
In Bolton, England, a significant increase in the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) has been observed, rising from 170 to 720 in recent years. This trend has coincided with an influx of asylum seekers, leading to local residents expressing their discontent over the changes in their community. Recently, Ben Leo, a reporter for GB News, visited the area to investigate how these asylum seekers are being accommodated and supported by the British state. During his visit, he spoke with an Afghan asylum seeker who acknowledged receiving government assistance through the Aspen card, allowing for a weekly allocation of £40 along with provisions for food, and confirmed he pays no rent for his residence. However, his accommodation previously housed a single mother and her two children, who had been evicted to make way for him and other migrants. When informed about the eviction of the previous occupants, the asylum seeker expressed that children should be given priority in social housing allocations, indicating an awareness of the distressing dynamics that arise from such housing policies. A local resident expressed disgust at the changing atmosphere in Bolton, reporting a visible presence of asylum seekers engaging in activities like drinking alcohol early in the morning. This sentiment was echoed by another resident who feared backlash for voicing his opinion, particularly in the face of national calls for fair sharing of asylum seekers across UK boroughs, as advocated by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The local community's dissatisfaction reflects larger national debates regarding immigration and support for asylum seekers. Amidst this backdrop, Serco, in agreement with the Home Office, announced plans to halt further accommodation acquisitions for asylum seekers in Bolton, signaling a potential shift in policy amidst increasing local resistance. The tension between providing shelter to those seeking refuge and the needs of local residents remains a contentious issue that influences discussions on immigration and community welfare in contemporary Britain.