Labour Branded Disgraceful Over Aberdeen Asylum Plans

Labour has faced fierce criticism over Home Office proposals to house nearly 150 asylum seekers in central Aberdeen. The move pushes the city beyond its official service user demand allocation limits.

The Labour government has been branded “disgraceful” following revelations that officials are looking to place 149 asylum seekers on St Peter Street in the heart of Aberdeen, according to GB News. Local leaders and representatives point out that the Granite City already accommodates 707 migrants, making it a major dispersal hotspot in Scotland outside of Glasgow.

Aberdeen South MP Douglas Lumsden received formal notification from the Home Office outlining the proposals for the city centre site. Documents indicate that the St Peter Street location has been approved for consideration as dispersal accommodation despite explicitly taking Aberdeen above its service user demand plan allocation.

Public Services Under Strain

Local representatives have raised urgent concerns regarding the immense strain these continuous placements place on local housing and public services. Critics argue that residents are being blindsided by central government decisions that fail to account for regional capacity limits or local infrastructure needs.

• Home Office plans target St Peter Street for 149 asylum seekers.
• Aberdeen already houses 707 migrants according to official figures.
• The proposal exceeds the city’s service user demand plan allocation.
• Local MP Douglas Lumsden strongly criticised the lack of consultation.

The Home Office has defended its dispersal strategy, stating that utilizing alternative properties aims to reduce costly hotel usage, improve value for money, and meet statutory legal obligations. Nevertheless, local backlash highlights a deep friction between Whitehall policy and the realities faced by communities managing high dispersal numbers.

Further updates from municipal authorities and the Home Office are expected as local representatives press for a comprehensive review of regional capacity before any placements proceed.

Original source: Read the full report at GB News