MP demands consultation over Shropshire asylum seeker plans, accuses council of 'colluding'
The plans, which are now being reviewed by the Home Office, led to protests in the small Shropshire hamlet with residents expressing their dismay at the proposals.
A Shropshire MP has said any new plans for asylum seekers in a small close in Stoke Heath should include a "full consultation" with residents.
MP for The Wrekin Mark Pritchard has also said Shropshire Council may have “colluded” with the Home Office over the asylum plans, which he revealed in parliament last month.
The plans, which are now being reviewed by the Home Office, led to protests in the small Shropshire hamlet with residents expressing their dismay at the proposals.
The MP has now said any future uses for new-build housing in Dutton Close, Stoke Heath, must include "full consultation" with Stoke Upon Tern Parish Council and local residents.
Last week Mr Pritchard wrote to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to ask her to confirm there will be no asylum seekers placed in new-build housing at Dutton Close, and that Serco's plans to place asylum seekers there will now be scrapped.
He also asked the Home Secretary to confirm the Government's policy in relation to using new-build housing for asylum seekers from now on, and also whether any ban on placing asylum seekers in new-build housing will apply to Stoke Heath.
The MP also said he believes Shropshire Council may have “colluded” with the Home Office over the plans.
He said: “Shropshire Council's Liberal Democrat leadership are hiding behind so-called 'confidentiality' to avoid legitimate public scrutiny of what they knew, and when, about the Labour Government's flawed asylum plans for Dutton Close.
"My personal view is that Shropshire Council might have colluded with the Home Office to try and get these ill-conceived asylum plans through by stealth, without any consultation with local residents. That is wrong, and has backfired spectacularly - rightly so.
"This housing now needs to be used for local families, veterans, and those in the Stoke Heath area who need to access affordable rented, private sale, or shared ownership homes. Local new-build houses for local people.
"Stoke Heath remains a completely wrong location for housing asylum seekers given its very rural location and lack of access to public services.
"I will continue to fight any further plans to place any asylum seekers in Stoke Heath."
Shropshire Council’s deputy leader Alex Wagner hit back saying the MP was “shamelessly politically motivated”.
He said: “Mark Pritchard MP's statement is littered with factual inaccuracies and is shamelessly politically motivated. Shropshire Council has always strongly objected to moving asylum seekers into Dutton Close, a wholly inappropriate location, and made that position clear to the Home Office and our residents.
“A question must be asked - where was Mark Pritchard MP when the Conservative Government he supported instituted the immigration system which has directly led to this crisis?”
Councillor James Owen, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for housing, added: “Claims that the council colluded with the Home Office or acted improperly are completely unfounded.
“Officers and cabinet members have objected to these proposals at every opportunity. The council has acted in accordance with its legal obligations throughout and remains committed to keeping residents and partners informed whenever possible. Our focus continues to be on representing local interests and ensuring community concerns are heard.”
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