Asylum Seeker Figures for Powys Amongst Lowest for Wales

UK Government figures show that Powys is among the councils in Wales with the lowest number of asylum seekers living within its boundaries.

Over the summer, crossings of the English Channel by asylum seekers using “mega dinghies” have been extensively covered by the national media.

In recent weeks, Conservative councillor for Newtown West, Pete Lewington, has been asking the cabinet member in charge of housing, Labour’s Cllr Matthew Dorrance, for clarity on the issue.

Initially, Cllr Dorrance (Brecon West) had said that just four asylum seekers were living in the county in accommodation provided by the UK Government’s agent, Clearsprings Ready Homes.

Cllr Lewington came back with further concerns on the issue, which saw more questions posed to Cllr Dorrance.

Cllr Lewington had asked for the “most up-to-date” figures on asylum seekers, as he believed the answer “contradicted” a briefing note circulated to councillors earlier this year, which said “five other asylum seekers” were living in Powys.

Cllr Lewington continued: “I understand that council officers meet monthly with Clearsprings and at these meetings officers are able to check whether there are any plans for asylum dispersal in Powys.

“Consequently, would the deputy leader commit to providing a monthly update on whether any asylum dispersal placements are expected in the county?”

In response to the questions, Cllr Dorrance provided links to the actual Home Office data, which shows where asylum seekers have been dispersed across the UK and includes a section covering all local authorities in Wales.

The data comes from June and was published by the House of Commons Library on September 1.

Analysis of the figures shows that, with just five asylum seekers – four in dispersed accommodation provided by Clearsprings and one other who is classified as “substance only” – Powys ranks 20th out of 22 council areas in Wales for the number of asylum seekers living in the authority area.

Only Monmouthshire and Ceredigion have fewer asylum seekers living in their council areas.

Cllr Dorrance said: “Regarding my previous statements referring to individuals who are seeking asylum and residing in Powys, they are correct.

“There is a family of four placed by the Home Office agent in the south of the county.

“In case you are not aware, this information is in the public domain and, for ease of reference, I attach a screenshot of the latest data.”

Moving on to the meetings with Clearsprings, Cllr Dorrance said: “You are correct in that there are regular meetings with the Home Office agent and officers. The content of such meetings is confidential.

“Control for asylum dispersal across the UK rests with the Home Office, as you know.

“I hope this information will enable you to reassure residents of the current position in Powys in respect of asylum dispersal, which is in much lower numbers than many reports would suggest.”

The total number of asylum seekers living in each Welsh local authority areas to the end of June was: