Durham County Council is set to demand a halt on new asylum accommodation in the region, citing a lack of transparency from the government and its contractors. The motion, tabled by Reform Councillor Dawn Bellingham, will be debated by councillors on Wednesday, July 15.
Concerns Over Transparency
The proposal highlights worries about insufficient information sharing regarding the placement of asylum seekers in County Durham. It specifically names the government and Mears Group, a contractor involved in procuring accommodation. The motion states: "Durham County Council notes with concern the ongoing lack of transparency from Government and its contractors, including Mears Group, regarding the procurement and placement of accommodation for asylum seekers within County Durham."
If approved, the council would seek comprehensive details, including the number of expected individuals, locations of properties, duration of placements, and impacts on local services. The motion also calls for evidence to justify any further procurement of asylum accommodation in the county.
Political and Local Reactions
Earlier this year, Darren Grimes, Reform deputy leader at Durham County Council, criticized the government for neglecting local concerns and suggested the county was being disproportionately targeted. Home Office statistics show 445 asylum seekers were accommodated in County Durham as of March 2025, with approximately 100 households relocated from London in the previous two years.
Cllr Bellingham, ward member for Horden and Dene House, warned that the authority would oppose any arrangements introduced without adequate consultation, data sharing, accountability, and a solid evidence base. The motion calls on the UK government to halt further procurement until all requested information is supplied.
Next Steps
Should councillors back the motion, the council leader would write to the Home Secretary and other ministers, outlining the council's stance and requesting urgent talks. The debate comes amid national pressure on the asylum accommodation system, with hotels, houses, and other properties used across the UK for temporary housing while claims are processed.
