Labour’s Makerfield by-election candidate is preparing to upend asylum accommodation
Andy Burnham would reportedly trigger break clauses in three asylum hotel contracts (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham would end the multi-billion pound use of private companies to source asylum accommodation, reports claim. Allies of the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is standing as Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election, reportedly say his is “very committed” to the move.
Mr Burnham, who is widely expected to mount a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer if he is elected, would give local authorities responsibility for sourcing migrant accommodation, according to The Times. Instead, people would be moved into cheaper accommodation, including bed-sits and homes in multiple occupancy.
The same publication reports that Mr Burnham’s position is less clear on continuing Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s policy of using larger sites, such as military barracks and a former army training facility.
Mr Burnham has been approached for comment by the Express.
Since March, the Government has been able to trigger a break clause in the decade-long contracts agreed with three private companies tasked with securing asylum accommodation.
Ms Mahmood is reportedly not inclined to trigger the break clauses and believes the use of hotels can be ended under the existing deals.
In April, the Government said 11 asylum hotels were closed and returned to communities, including Holiday Inn Heathrow, Crewe Arms Hotel and Britannia Hotel, Wolverhampton.
Migrant hotels have seen anti-migrant protests and counter protests (Image: Getty)
Almost 60,000 migrants and foreign criminals have been removed since Labour swept to power in July 2024, according to the Government.
The Migration Observatory at Oxford University estimates that in 2024-25, the average daily cost of housing an asylum seeker was about £170 per person, compared to £27 for other kinds of accommodation.
The Times reports that the estimated cost of the 10-year contracts has tripled from £4.5billion to £15.3bn.
While Mr Burnham’s allies suggest he would trigger break clauses, officials at the Home Office are said to believe councils won’t be able to source the 100,000 beds needed.
A spokesperson for Mr Burnham said Labour’s by-election candidate stands by his view dispersal of asylum seekers around the UK has “ridden roughshod” over local communities.
They said the north west of England has been hit “hard” and forced to pick up the pieces as the profits of outsourced companies “surge”.
The spokesperson added: “He’s been clear that is not fair on communities here and needs to change.”
