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Some asylum seekers in housing 'to which they are not entitled'

Some asylum seekers who claimed to be without a penny were found with "indications of prosperity", when they were being housed in publicly-funded accommodation, according to a Government report.

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Serco: Asylum seeker housing 'challenging'

Private security firm Secro has admitted they struggled to provide housing for asylum seekers, calling the fall-out from a major change in Government contracts "challenging".

James Thorburn, managing director of Serco's home affairs business explained:

The transition from the previous contracts was, as the NAO acknowledges, challenging, but Serco at all times concentrated on minimising the disruption to service users through extensive communication including the provision of information in 12 languages.

Over 90% of service users remained in the same accommodation, ensuring the continuity of key services for families and individuals.

We accept there remains scope for further improvement and we are committed to working with the Home Office and our partners in local government, the NHS and the voluntary sector to achieve that.

– James Thorburn, Serco

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