The plan would move asylum seekers out of temporary hotels and into permanent housing solutions, including refurbished tower blocks, empty flats, and unused care homes.
Demonstrations were staged across the UK at the weekend (Image: Getty)
Labour’s decision to set aside £500 million for a new migrant accommodation model has sparked fierce debate across the UK – so should taxpayers be footing the bill? The plan would move asylum seekers out of temporary hotels and into permanent housing solutions, including refurbished tower blocks, empty flats, and unused care homes.
Labour insists this approach is necessary to ease pressure on local services and provide humane living conditions for those waiting on asylum decisions. Critics, however, argue that £500 million could be better spent on domestic priorities such as housing, healthcare, and education, especially at a time when many families are struggling with rising living costs.
Conservative MPs have called the funding “misguided,” warning it risks incentivising illegal migration while ordinary citizens feel the pinch.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “The Labour Government is laying the foundations for a permanent parallel system that is built to reward illegal immigration funded by the hard-working taxpayer.
“All while British families wait years for a home that is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to mass immigration. Only the Conservatives will end this farce.”
Supporters counter that investing in stable accommodation ultimately reduces strain on communities, improves safety, and prevents long-term social problems.
