Asylum seekers service

Since 1999 United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) have dispersed asylum seekers throughout the UK.  The is achieved by contracting with local authorities and private companies to provide housing and support.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is part of the North West Consortium that provides accommodation for destitute asylum seekers.  The full cost of housing and support is provided by UKBA and is not subsidised by local Council tax.

In 2009 there were 24, 250 applications for asylum nationwide.

In quarter 3 2009, 7,420 initial asylum decisions were made, an increase of 38 per cent compared with quarter 3 2008 (5,230).  79% of initial decisions were refusals, 12% were granted asylum and 9% were granted Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave. More information can be found on the home office website.

Health authorities including Blackburn with Darwen do not prioritise asylum seekers over local people. Asylum seekers are entitled to register with a local GP and do receive most services from the NHS, but they must go through the same processes as everyone else.

For more information about asylum and refugees please contact:
Asylum Support Team

The 3 Private Providers in Blackburn with Darwen are:

Happy Homes

Michael Le Breton (Regional Manager), 1548 Ashton Old Rd, Higher Openshaw, Manchester. M11 1HW.

Phone: (0161) 301 4554

Fax: (0161) 370 1907

Web: happy homes

Priority Properties North West (PPNW)

PPNW is a Private Provider who provides housing and a support service to the property and the Service User as outlined in the Target Contract by UKBA.

Wayne Roberts (Regional Manager),294 Littleton Road, Salford, Manchester, M7 3QG

Phone: (0161) 708 0370

Fax: (0161) 708 0357

Web: www.ppnwltd.co.uk

United Property Management Limited

123 Collyhurst Road, Collyhurst, Manchester, M40 7RT

Phone: (0161) 202 0201

Fax: (0161) 202 0204