The Truth About Immigration, Refugees and People Seeking Asylum
Migration is a major topic of conversation in the UK, but much of what is being said is not based on fact. Here, Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson will be correcting some of the myths and explaining why Liverpool has always been a place that has welcomed people from around the world.
For more than 300 years, Liverpool’s role as a global port has brought generations of people from Ireland, Europe, Africa and Asia to its shores. That tradition continues today. While the current immigration and asylum system is based on long-standing national contracts agreed upon by the previous Government; the system does need reform and we are working with Government to improve oversight and ensure a fairer approach.
Amid this, misinformation about immigration and asylum seekers has grown, creating confusion and division. Leaders across the city have a responsibility to challenge false claims so that public discussion is informed, truthful and supportive of those rebuilding their lives.
As a council we are committed to countering these false claims with facts, upholding compassion and fairness, and ensuring that everyone feels respected and safe.
Here are some of the most common Myths and the Truth about them:
Liverpool takes more than its fair share
Every local council in the UK is expected to do its bit. Liverpool already hosts many people seeking asylum. There are over 100 less people seeking asylum in the city than 12 months ago and no new asylum accommodation is planned for the city.
They’re pretending to be refugees to get free stuff
Every asylum claim is assessed carefully by the Home Office. Most people seeking asylum are fleeing war, torture or persecution.
They want safety, dignity and a chance to rebuild their lives.
They’re given better treatment than our homeless.
Asylum seekers are housed due to the government’s legal obligation to do so. Homelessness is a separate and equally urgent issue. One crisis should not be used to dismiss the other.
The Council has bought new flats for asylum seekers, and they are given £2,000 before moving in
Liverpool City Council has not purchased any property for people seeking asylum. All asylum accommodation in the city is arranged directly by the Home Office through its contractors.
There is no £2,000 payment. This claim is misinformation. Asylum seekers in hotel accommodation receive £9.95 a week, that’s about £1.42 a day, to cover essentials like toiletries. Those in temporary accommodation receive £49.18 a week to cover food, clothing and toiletries.
People are being evicted from their homes so landlords can rent to Serco for asylum housing
Serco, the Home Office’s accommodation provider, has confirmed it does not evict existing tenants to make way for asylum accommodation. Numbers of people seeking asylum in the city have remained stable for some time, and we already have an established process in place.
The old care home on Aysgarth Avenue is being turned into asylum accommodation
There are no plans or discussions to use the former care home on Aysgarth Avenue as asylum accommodation.
They’re living in luxury hotels at our expense
The hotels used to accommodate people seeking sanctuary are budget hotels or repurposed buildings. The rooms are small, often shared, with no kitchens and very little privacy. People seeking asylum have no choice over where the Home Office places them.
They’re taking hotel rooms from paying guests
Hotels used for asylum accommodation are typically those with available space or not in high demand. These are contracted by the Home Office, not the Council.
They get free houses from the Council
People seeking asylum are placed in temporary accommodation by the Home Office, while their claims are being assessed. This might be shared housing or a hotel. Currently, local councils do not choose who comes or where they stay. Once granted refugee status, individuals can apply for social housing or rent privately, like any other eligible resident.
They get a house as soon as they arrive
Asylum seekers often wait months or even years in temporary accommodation allocated by the Home Office. They don’t get to choose where they live, and they cannot apply for social housing until they are granted refugee status.
They jump the queue for social housing
Refugees go through the same housing application process as everyone else. Being granted refugee status does not give automatic priority. All applications are assessed based on need.
They get £70 a day in spending money
Asylum seekers in hotel accommodation receive £9.95 a week, that’s about £1.42 a day, to cover essentials like toiletries. Those in temporary accommodation receive £49.18 a week to cover food, clothing and toiletries.
They purposely refuse to work to pay for their stay
Government rules currently do not allow people seeking asylum to work while they wait for a decision. This is government policy, not their personal choice.
Male asylum seekers are being housed near Monksdown Primary School
Serco, the Home Office accommodation provider has confirmed there are no plans for new asylum accommodation in Norris Green or near Monksdown Primary School. Serco cannot add new homes without Council approval, and every site is carefully checked with Police and Council data before approval. The information circulating online is incorrect and should be ignored.
They get free iPhones paid for by the taxpayer
Asylum seekers do not get free iPhones, Samsung or any phones at all. They may receive basic support from charities to help them stay connected with loved ones, but mobile phones, or even internet access, are not part of the government’s asylum support so are not paid for using public money.
If you come across false information online or in conversation, take a moment to share the truth and help others see beyond the headlines.
