Three northern towns have become the epicentre of Britain's private asylum accommodation network, forming what insiders are calling the nation's 'asylum golden triangle'. Bolton, Blackburn, and Stockport now house thousands of migrants through private contractors, at a staggering cost to the taxpayer.
Exclusive data analysis reveals these Greater Manchester and Lancashire towns account for a disproportionate number of asylum seekers placed in private housing across the entire northwest region. The scheme, designed to reduce reliance on expensive hotels, has instead created new pressure points in communities already facing stretched public services.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
Home Office figures show the sheer scale of the operation. The three towns collectively host a significant percentage of the northwest's 20,000 asylum seekers in private accommodation. This concentration has created what local officials describe as unsustainable pressure on schools, GP surgeries, and social services.
Private providers like Serco and Clearsprings Ready Homes have secured lucrative contracts to house individuals and families. Properties are leased from private landlords before being sublet to asylum seekers, with costs ultimately covered by the British taxpayer.
Local Services at Breaking Point
Council leaders across the 'golden triangle' have expressed grave concerns about the impact on their communities. Many report that the rapid influx has overwhelmed local infrastructure never designed to handle such numbers.
"Our schools are full, our GPs have waiting lists weeks long, and our social care system was already under immense pressure before this additional burden," stated one council official who wished to remain anonymous. "We're being asked to do the impossible with inadequate resources."
The Financial Toll
The financial implications are staggering. While cheaper than hotel accommodation, the private housing scheme still costs taxpayers millions annually. Critics argue the money would be better spent processing claims faster and investing in integration services.
Meanwhile, private contractors continue to profit from the arrangement, leading to accusations of 'asylum profiteering' at the expense of both taxpayers and vulnerable asylum seekers.
A Nationwide Pattern
While the northern triangle represents an extreme concentration, the pattern repeats across Britain. Dozens of towns and cities now host significant asylum populations in private accommodation, often with minimal consultation or support for local authorities.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of Britain's asylum system, which continues to struggle with processing delays, accommodation shortages, and community integration issues.
As the debate continues, residents of Bolton, Blackburn, and Stockport are left dealing with the practical realities of a national policy implemented at local level, wondering when—or if—the pressure will ease.
