A number of refugees staged a ‘sit-in’ at Bury Town Hall last week after being told they are now homeless.

Around 15 refugees staged the protest last Friday before eventually being moved on by the police.

They said their reasoning for the protest was because they had been thrown out of their homes due to the Home Office policy of ending accommodation for people seeking asylum whether their application was accepted or refused.

A spokesperson for Bury Council said: “We have every sympathy with people who have been thrown out of their homes due to the Home Office policy of simply ending accommodation for people seeking asylum whether their application was accepted or refused.

“Unfortunately, our rough sleeper accommodation (A Bed Every Night - 25 supported units) is full and has a waiting list now due to the recent effects of migration on rough sleeping in the borough.

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“ABEN, and any rough sleepers on the streets, is 80 per cent due to migration issues and pressures.

“This is a national problem, but is particularly worse in the North West because of the disproportionate numbers being placed in the region by the Home Office and Serco.

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“This time last year we had one rough sleeper on the streets in Bury and were managing with our current provision and ABEN. We now have 24, and the figure is increasing with a waiting list.

“It is projected that migration cases will continue to increase in 2024 and the situation will worsen as local authorities do not have the required temporary or affordable permanent accommodation to offer.

“We are doing our best to provide advice, support and accommodation with limited resources and capacity.

“We are also recruiting staff to help support the swift increases in migration and refugees across the borough.

“We are working in partnership with GMCA, RSMP and all GM local authorities, plus local stakeholders, the voluntary and the faith sectors to provide a coordinated and aligned response to this unfortunate situation.”

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The council said that Bury as well as other local authorities don’t have the sufficient accommodation available, as well as not having the duty to provide accommodation to rough sleepers.

The spokesperson for Bury Council added: “We have worked hard to explore all options to help support this crisis, and on a positive note we have been able to partner with a local church to provide a safe, warm place for them to sleep with food and support.

“Our outreach team is also engaging throughout the day with all rough sleepers to signpost them to warm spaces and facilities and help them look for permanent accommodation, and we will also be engaging with the DWP to support them into work and other support.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Once a newly recognised refugee is issued a biometric residence permit, they get 28 days to move on from asylum accommodation.

“Support is also available through Migrant Help and their partners, which includes advice on how to access Universal Credit, the labour market and where to get assistance with housing."