There are lots of discussions about migration in our country at the moment – but sadly not all of it is well-informed.
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, explains why Liverpool has always been a place that has welcomed people from around the world, as well as correcting some of the myths.
Liverpool has always been a city shaped by immigration. From the docks to the doorstep, for the past 300 years, generations of people from all over the world have arrived here seeking opportunity, safety and community.
Liverpool’s rich history as a port city has played a central role in shaping its reputation for welcoming people from across the globe. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the city saw waves of arrivals from Ireland, Europe, Africa and Asia, many of whom came seeking work, refuge or a fresh start. That proud history of migration continues today.
The current immigration and asylum system relies on long and inflexible contracts agreed upon by the previous Government. The system does need reform and we are working closely with the Government on this, while also emphasising the importance of increased local oversight.
Nevertheless, recent years have seen an increase in misinformation and disinformation regarding immigration and people seeking asylum.
These false claims can be harmful. They create confusion, fuel division, and distract from the real experiences of people who are trying to rebuild their lives after fleeing conflict, violence or persecution.
We know that myths can take hold quickly. But here in Liverpool, we want to be known for something else: compassion, fairness and truth. By sharing the facts, we can help create a more welcoming city, where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.
I strongly believe that all politicians in the city have a responsibility to ensure that misinformation is challenged and not perpetuated.
It’s essential to challenge myths and misinformation about immigration and asylum seekers with facts. By understanding the realities and rejecting baseless claims, we can have more informed, compassionate discussions in our communities.
That’s why it’s important that we put out the facts and set the record straight.
These are some of the claims, and the facts behind them.
- Claim: “The Council has bought new flats for asylum seekers, and they are given £2,000 before moving in.”
What’s True: 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.
- Claim: “People are being evicted from their homes so landlords can rent to Serco for asylum housing’’
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: The old care home on Aysgarth Avenue is being turned into asylum accommodation”
What’s true: There are no plans or discussions to use the former care home on Aysgarth Avenue as asylum accommodation.
- Claim: “They’re living in luxury hotels at our expense”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They’re taking hotel rooms from paying guests.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They get free houses from the Council.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They get a house as soon as they arrive.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They jump the queue for social housing.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They get £70 a day in spending money.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They purposely refuse to work to pay for their stay.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “Liverpool takes more than its fair share.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They get free iPhones paid for by the taxpayer.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They’re given better treatment than our homeless.”
What’s true: 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.
- Claim: “They’re pretending to be refugees to get free stuff.”
What’s true: 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.
Who are we talking about?
It’s important to be clear about the difference between immigrants or migrants, people seeking asylum and refugees.
Who is an immigrant /migrant: A migrant is anyone who chooses to move from one country to another to live, work, study, or join family. The terms “legal migrant” and “illegal migrant” are often used to differentiate those who have entered with permission versus those who have not. Migrants contribute significantly to the UK economy and society in various ways, including filling skills gaps, starting businesses and paying taxes.
An asylum seeker is someone who has left their home country and asked for protection in another, like the UK because they fear persecution, war or violence. They are waiting for the government to make a decision on their claim. During this time, they are not allowed to work and are usually placed in temporary housing by the Home Office.
A refugee is someone whose claim for asylum has been accepted. This means the government agrees they would be unsafe if they returned to their home country. Refugees have the right to live, work and access services – just like any other resident.
If you come across false information online or in conversation, take a moment to share the truth and help others see beyond the headlines.
Learn more on how to identify and report mis/disinformation by visiting https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/tackling-misinformation.
