Home Office halts asylum seeker placements in Stoke Heath
Scheme under review following intervention from local MP and community
The Home Office has agreed to suspend the placement of asylum seekers in Stoke Heath following pressure from Mark Pritchard MP, Stoke Upon Parish Council, and community members.
Mark Pritchard MP shared the news at a community meeting, expressing his satisfaction with the outcome.
He said, "In the last few hours I've received the news that thankfully the Home Office has listened to my representations, to the representations of Stoke-on-Tern Parish Council and to the local community most of all, that Stoke Heath is an inappropriate location for so many asylum seekers."
The asylum seekers previously placed in Dutton Close have been relocated to a more suitable area, and an internal review of the scheme is underway.
"The big news is that the overall scheme is now under review at the Home Office by Home Office Ministers. That is great news and we need to continue to put the pressure on," Pritchard said.
He emphasised the importance of advocating for affordable housing for local families, indicating his commitment to ongoing efforts.
"I'll continue to keep the pressure on the government. It's only a review but it's a significant step," Pritchard concluded.