Torridge Councillors Push for Clear Communication on Asylum Seeker Accommodations

Councillors in Torridge act to bring local groups closer. They want news on where asylum seekers stay to come fast. They call on Conservative MP Geoffrey Cox. He must push for a clear link between housing groups and local councils. This call applies to HMOs and hotels.

Unforeseen Accommodation of Asylum Seekers

Last May, Ilfracombe welcomed between 55 and 130 asylum seekers in one night. They were checked into the Dilkhusa Grand Hotel. North Devon Council did not know of these plans. This news made Torridge District Council upset. They saw a lack of talk from the Home Office and private groups. In a meeting, councillors tied their ideas close. They said there is no solid news on future plans. Claire Hodson, Deputy Leader and Westward Ho! representative, said, “It was quite shocking” that they had no insight into events in Ilfracombe.

Advocating for Community Involvement

Hodson said local councils must join the talk when decisions come up. “When we welcome people from new lands, why do we not get news? At least we can get ready by knowing what happens in our areas,” she asked. She stressed that the aim is not to block arrivals. The goal is to avoid protests and online claims about fairness. She said that when government rules set housing deals, local councils must join in so taxpayers know what will happen.

The Call for Compliance and Coordination

Staci Dorey, the council’s monitoring officer, made her point clear. “They must tell us if plans change. Right now they act on their own,” she said. Dorey explained that working close would help the council set up needed support and plan better.
James Lewis from the Pickwick Foundation, a group that works with refugees in North Devon, said police sometimes share news on HMOs. He added that closer ties would fix many issues.

Ongoing Concerns for Refugee Funding

The council now seeks clear news on funds for Ukrainian refugees. Members said that many face risk as Ukraine plans shift. Visas now last 18 months instead of three years. Many refugees worry, as they may not have homes to return to. Council members learned that the funds have been cut in half. They now worry that host families might lose the support of £500 per week.

Conclusion

These talks show a need for faster news and closer plans among the government, local councils, and housing groups for asylum seekers. As Torridge District Council pushes for talks and firm rules, it is clear that community groups must work side by side. Local councils must help to plan for safe stays for those in need.

For those who consider property in HMOs or take part in local projects, knowing these ties is key. Local councils must work to support both those seeking refuge and the communities that host them.

Sources | Torridge Council News | Homes for Ukraine | Refugee Fund Details