Meacher’s asylum questions ‘ignored’

MICHAEL Meacher says his requests to know how many asylum seekers will be housed across Oldham are being ignored by the Government.

The Oldham West and Royton MP asked for specific numbers regarding resettlement across the 10 Greater Manchester authorities only to be given a 200-word policy summary on asylum.

He said: “We have more asylum seekers in Oldham than London and the South-East.

He said the system is unfair because most refugees are housed in areas where private-sector rents are lowest. “This cannot be fair,” he said.

“There should be a fair share of asylum seekers across the country and there needs to be adequate resources to provide the services they need. Local authorities are having services cut and they need more money to deal with additional people.

“In Oldham we are happy to take our share of people fleeing tragedy but I want to make sure the Government understands we need money to help us support these people. Oldham is a very welcoming town but I will not let this government take advantage of our good nature.”

Home Office Minister James Brokenshire said asylum seekers will be housed across the country “according to an agreed ratio”.