Refugees granted upscale townhouses equipped with en-suites, EV charging points, and underfloor heating, sparking controversy amidst local residents struggling to afford homeownership.

In a controversial move, asylum seekers are now residing in £300,000 three-bedroom contemporary townhouses in a tranquil village in Suffolk. These homes, designed for modern living and comfort, provide ample space and eco-friendly amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, sleek kitchens, underfloor heating, and electric vehicle charging points.

The houses, leased by public services firm Serco under a contract with the Home Office, are nestled in this sought-after village. However, not all residents are welcoming to this new development. Many question why these homes were not offered to locals on the housing list, particularly given that the expected rent in the area for a home of this size is around £1,200.

The government has a legal requirement to accommodate asylum seekers while their claims are processed. In a victory for the Home Office, the Court of Appeal recently overturned an injunction ordering the removal of migrants from a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex. The Home Office has taken urgent action over the past year to fix the system, doubling the rate of asylum decision-making and reducing the amount of money spent on asylum hotels by almost a billion pounds.

Not all village residents are against the use of the development to house asylum seekers. Lizzie Simmonds, for example, has been providing basic supplies to the new arrivals. She believes that migrants deserve the opportunities the UK can offer.

On the other hand, Clive Bloomfield, a lifelong resident of the village, expressed discontent, stating that locals were not consulted and many were struggling to get on the property ladder. Mother-of-two Laura Garland added that there were many British-born taxpayers unable to get housing, and the local community had been 'kept in the dark'.

As of now, only one family has moved into the townhouses. The number of people waiting to apply for council or housing association homes in Suffolk in 2024 was nearly 800. The responsibility for housing asylum seekers in these expensive, modern-equipped townhouses primarily lies with the local government and housing authorities managing asylum accommodations.

Former Labour justice secretary Lord Falconer warned that the issue will continue to be a vote-winner for Reform UK unless the government accelerates the speed at which asylum seekers are moved to alternative accommodation. Susan, a resident of the village, expressed discontent, stating, "We're paying for all of this. Why are we working hard for asylum seekers to just get everything for free?"

Serco, the public services firm leasing the houses, has not yet been approached for comment. The Home Office has pledged to end the use of asylum hotels by 2029 in a controlled and orderly way, under the leadership of home secretary Yvette Cooper. The houses offer a serene living experience and are said to be a perfect blend of modern design, comfort, and sustainability. The question remains, however, whether this move will be met with more acceptance and understanding from the local community.

Refugees granted upscale townhouses equipped with en-suites, EV charging points, and underfloor heating, sparking controversy amidst local residents struggling to afford homeownership.