Martin Ford 08 June 2023

Aslyum barges plan branded ‘cruel and unworkable’

A council leader has attacked plans to house asylum seekers on barges in ports.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in a speech that the Government had secured two barges that will each accommodate about 1,000 people to ‘reduce pressures on local communities’ and reliance on hotels.

The locations have not yet been confirmed, but reports have mentioned Middlesbrough, Liverpool, the Royal Docks in Newham, and Newcastle.

Newham LBC mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: 'The Prime Minister’s actions are a cynical and repugnant response to the desperate plight facing people fleeing war, famine and torture.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

#Immigration #Refugees #asylum

Analysis

Better Results, Smarter Spending: AllChild in Wigan

Wigan Council and AllChild are proving that long-term, community-driven programmes can improve outcomes for children while reducing pressure on local services and public spending. LocalGov finds out more.

Opinion

What the new cross-border placement rules in Scotland mean

In this expert analysis, Ellen Bond, MFMac’s Family Law team, outlines what the new Cross-border Placement of Children Regulations 2026 will mean for councils.

Most Popular News

Councils prepare for political turmoil

Councils’ wood burning campaign prompts stove industry backlash

Coventry sets aside £27m to cover potential equal pay claims

Government publishes social cohesion action plan

Croydon LTNs to be scrapped by order of judge

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Head of Pensions - Projects

£63,966 - £67,575 (FTE)

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has an opportunity for a Head of Pensions - Projects, with experience of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Greenwich, London (Greater)

Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich