Why do we allow asylum seekers into Blackburn and Darwen?
In 1999 the government decided to disperse asylum seekers across the UK and away from hard pressed local authorities in London and the South East. They did this by contracting local council’s and private companies to provide housing across the UK. Destitute asylum seekers are dispersed to Blackburn with Darwen by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS). While receiving accommodation and support from NASS they have no choice about where they live. If they can find other accommodation they can claim subsistence from NASS and not be forced to live in a particular place but they will not be given any assistance to pay for the accommodation. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is part of the North West Consortium (East) who contracts with the Home Office to provide accommodation. There are also 3 private companies housing people in the borough.
