• BristolPress | Story Of The Day
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  • Login
Bristol Press
  • Home
  • World
  • News
  • Politics
    Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

    Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

    Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

    Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

    Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

    Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

    Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

    Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

    Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

    Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

    Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

    Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

    Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

    Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

    Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

    Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

    Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

    Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

    Trending Tags

    • Business

      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

    • Sports
      Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

      Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

      Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

      Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

      Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

      Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

      Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

      Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

      Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

      Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

      Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

      Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

      Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

      Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

      Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

      Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

      Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

      Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

      Trending Tags

      • Technology
        Apple unleashes M5 as ‘next big leap in AI’ but many ask ‘what’s the difference?’

        Apple unleashes M5 as ‘next big leap in AI’ but many ask ‘what’s the difference?’

        Pig’s liver transplanted to human in world first as medics declare ‘new era has started’

        Pig’s liver transplanted to human in world first as medics declare ‘new era has started’

        Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

        Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

        ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

        ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

        Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

        Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

      • Health
        Simple steroid creams ‘could help the body fight cancer’ in unexpected discovery

        Simple steroid creams ‘could help the body fight cancer’ in unexpected discovery

        Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

        Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

        NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

        NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

        NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

        NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

        ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

        ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

      • Entertainment
        Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

        Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

        Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

        Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

        New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

        New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

        DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

        DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

        Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

        Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

      • Life Style
      • Travel
      • Education
        Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

        Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

        Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

        Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

        Police investigate alleged attack on boy at top Welsh secondary school

        Police investigate alleged attack on boy at top Welsh secondary school

        Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

        Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

        Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

        Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

      • Real Estate
      No Result
      View All Result
      • Home
      • World
      • News
      • Politics
        Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

        Be honest about choices ahead as Starmer claims Swinney ‘insulting intelligence’ of Scots

        Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

        Scots union boss warns Rachel Reeves ‘must pick a side’ ahead of Budget as households struggle

        Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

        Thousands of Scots pupils forced to learn in crumbling school buildings rated ‘bad’ or ‘poor’

        Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

        Palestine’s ambassador to the UK to address SNP conference as peace deal hopes grow

        Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

        Total freeze urged on Michelle Mone-linked assets including Scots properties after £122m PPE ruling

        Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

        Rachel Reeves decision to axe two-child benefit cap would impact millions of Scottish families

        Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

        Anas Sarwar’s woes are about to get worse but Labour still has path to victory

        Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

        Seagull summit goes ahead days after SNP minister was forced to quit in row over feathered menaces

        Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

        Scotland becoming more intolerant amid immigration debate, warns Humza Yousaf

        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

          Celtic women’s boss in eerie Brendan Rodgers echo as she sends board emphatic message

          Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

          Celtic activists escalate campaign to hit under-fire board in the pocket as they warn ‘not another penny’

          Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

          Who the F is Danny Rohl? Anonymous claim about Rangers next manager favourite is anything but a wild rumour

          Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

          Celtic fans take board aim in fresh banner protest at Parkhead as they tell supporters ‘give them hell’

          Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

          Kasper Schmeichel call made as Celtic make three changes in predicted XI vs Motherwell

          Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

          Brendan Rodgers knows my one Celtic regret but he’s the best I’ve worked under and a true perfectionist

          Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

          Hearts chief demands ‘calm’ amid Rangers pile on as Celtic title tilt sparks knowing warning

          Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

          Ex Man Utd star faces prison for failure to pay child maintenance

          Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

          Dermot Desmond to ‘take a lead’ in Celtic fan row and ditch golden rule for first time in three years

          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Apple unleashes M5 as ‘next big leap in AI’ but many ask ‘what’s the difference?’

            Apple unleashes M5 as ‘next big leap in AI’ but many ask ‘what’s the difference?’

            Pig’s liver transplanted to human in world first as medics declare ‘new era has started’

            Pig’s liver transplanted to human in world first as medics declare ‘new era has started’

            Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

            Xbox Game Pass ‘gets biggest update yet’ but could lead to ‘mass unsubscribing’ for one reason

            ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

            ‘Compact’ power bank that is ‘perfect for on the go’ drops to £29 in limited time deal

            Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

            Sky Mobile throws in £210 freebies with Samsung’s new £9 Apple iPad rival

          • Health
            Simple steroid creams ‘could help the body fight cancer’ in unexpected discovery

            Simple steroid creams ‘could help the body fight cancer’ in unexpected discovery

            Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

            Over a third of Brits lie about their drinking on medical forms, research shows

            NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

            NHS atorvastatin warning over common ‘nosebleed’ symptom

            NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

            NHS doctor shares common mistake people make at GP appointments

            ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

            ‘Our son, 18, died when curly hair hid deadly disease – now we’re taking action’

          • Entertainment
            Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

            Dunelm’s £15 milk frother is ‘game changer for morning coffees’ in cold weather

            Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

            Full list of New and Basic State Pension weekly payments due from April

            New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

            New update on calls for weekly State Pension payments of £586 for people over 60

            DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

            DWP timeline for PIP eligibility changes for new and existing claimants

            Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

            Debenhams cuts price of ‘beautiful’ £845 watch perfect for Christmas gifting to £99

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

            Welsh Government accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel’ on major reforms

            Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

            Tearful support worker denies grabbing student and colleague during fire drill

            Police investigate alleged attack on boy at top Welsh secondary school

            Police investigate alleged attack on boy at top Welsh secondary school

            Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

            Welsh council explains how and when schools will search pupils for weapons

            Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

            Best universities in Wales and the UK named in prestigious rankings

          • Real Estate
          No Result
          View All Result
          Bristol Press
          No Result
          View All Result

          Asylum housing tycoon is among the UK’s wealthiest – here’s what conditions are like inside the properties his company runs

          by BP Author
          May 22, 2024
          in World
          0
          0
          SHARES
          0
          VIEWS
          Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


          The Sunday Times rich list is a stark symbol of the growing inequality in the UK. As many people face worsening living conditions, a small few are becoming ever richer. Among them for the first time this year is Graham King, an Essex businessman who has accumulated a £750 million fortune, partly through taxpayer-funded government contracts.

          King’s business empire includes Clearsprings Ready Homes, which has provided asylum accommodation to the Home Office since 2000. Clearsprings currently receives a whopping £3.5 million a day for asylum housing and transportation, even though the company has long been accused of providing substandard and unsafe accommodation.

          The Guardian reported in 2019 that hundreds of asylum seekers were crammed into Clearsprings accommodation which was overrun by cockroaches, rats and mice. Lawyers described the sites as “depraved” and likely unfit for human habitation. One said the conditions appeared to breach environmental health laws as well as statutory rules on overcrowding.

          Two years later, the Guardian exposed similarly squalid conditions in Clearsprings-managed asylum flats and hotels. They described cramped rooms with damp and mould, rodents and cockroaches, broken appliances, intermittent power and hot water, and water leaking through the walls and ceilings. At the time, Clearsprings said: “Clearsprings Ready Homes works closely with its delivery partners to ensure that safe, habitable and correctly equipped accommodation is provided. Whenever issues are raised, or defects are identified, Ready Homes will undertake a full investigation and ensure that those issues are addressed.”

          Clearsprings also runs the notorious Napier Barracks, a former military barracks in Kent that began housing asylum seekers in 2020. The site has faced concerns over unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, and reports of intimidation and mistreatment of residents. There have also been many incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts.

          The independent immigration watchdog found multiple problems at Napier, including a “decrepit” isolation block unfit for habitation. The watchdog concluded that the site was unsuitable for long-term use. The conditions were so bad that former Conservative immigration minister Caroline Nokes accused the government of using such barracks to make the UK “as difficult and inhospitable as possible” for asylum seekers.

          The high court found in 2021 that the conditions at Napier were inadequate and put people at risk of fire and contracting COVID, and that the Home Office employed unlawful practices in housing asylum seekers there. The court heard from public health experts who described a lack of ventilation, run-down buildings, fire risks and filthy conditions.

          Despite these findings, the site continues to be used to house asylum seekers. A re-inspection in March 2022 found improvements, but still highlighted the “the poor condition” of the dormitories.




          Read more:
          Deaths and abuse in UK immigration detention – my research shows extent of mental health problem


          Clearsprings also runs Wethersfield asylum centre, which opened in July 2023 on the site of a former RAF airfield in Essex. The site has been criticised for detention-like settings, lack of privacy, inadequate healthcare and causing mental distress. The site also poses risks of unexploded ordnance, radiological contamination, inadequate storage of hazardous substances and contamination from poisonous gases.

          There have been multiple incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts at Wethersfield. In February, the immigration watchdog warned of immediate risk of criminality, arson and violence.

          Last month, 70 asylum seekers were moved out of Wethersfield due to safety concerns.

          The Conversation has approached Clearsprings for comment on these issues, but it did not provide a response.

          The privatisation of asylum accommodation

          These problems are serious, but not unique to Clearsprings. Allegations of unsafe conditions are evident across asylum accommodation sites. They are also not new. Concerns of poor standards of dwellings were also made when local authorities were responsible for housing asylum seekers. But the seriousness of concerns appear to have worsened since asylum housing was subcontracted out to private companies.

          Before 2012, asylum accommodation was managed by local authorities and housing associations. When Theresa May as home secretary announced her intention to create a “hostile environment for illegal migration”, the Home Office outsourced numerous immigration functions, including accommodation. They enlisted just three contractors to house people: Clearel (a joint venture between Clearsprings and Reliance) and the security giants G4S and Serco.

          These often-criticised security companies also run immigration detention centres and deportations. It was in the course of a botched G4S deportation in 2010 that Jimmy Mubenga’s death occurred: he died of a cardiac arrest after being restrained on the plane deporting him.

          In the 12 years since asylum accommodation was privatised, there have been numerous reports by parliament, the National Audit Office, non-governmental organisations and researchers into asylum accommodation failings.

          Recurring problems include poor performance, delays and spiralling costs by subcontractors, substandard levels of housing and squalid and unsanitary conditions.

          bird's eye view of rows of barracks at RAF Wethersfield in Essex
          RAF Wethersfield is one of the Clearsprings accommodations that has come under scrutiny.
          Joe Giddens/Shutterstock

          Moreover, privatisation has led to a lack of accountability. Private contractors are not answerable to local authorities, and there has been a lack of transparency from the Home Office and inaction over complaints.

          Worryingly, these companies receive few repercussions for their failings. They rarely receive fines and almost never have their contracts terminated. Indeed, the same handful of companies – including Clearsprings and Serco – tend to be repeatedly awarded huge Home Office contracts, even when they have a poor delivery record. Clearsprings’ current contract lasts until 2029.

          Profiting from human misery

          As the growing fortune of a so-called “asylum housing tycoon” shows, asylum accommodation has proved to be a goldmine for companies and their owners. And yet, the conditions for people living in this accommodation are appallingly substandard, driving some residents to the point of suicide.

          Clearsprings Ready Homes’ operating profit has skyrocketed from under £800,000 in 2020 to £28 million by 2022 and £62.5 million the following year.

          This level of profit made in part from unsafe and squalid asylum accommodation raises moral questions about the design of the UK’s asylum system and the spending of UK taxpayer money.

          We are seeing political neglect and shrinking accountability towards people seeking safety on the UK’s shores. The asylum system is increasingly geared towards making money rather than ensuring people’s protection or dignity. Housing is more than basic shelter. We need to treat people on the move as fellow human beings, not business opportunities.



          Source link

          Previous Post

          World’s Happiest Workplaces Revealed – DHL Leads in 19 Countries

          Next Post

          How Will This Impact the Growth of Solana and Furrever Token? — Blockchain Media Indonesia

          Next Post
          How Will This Impact the Growth of Solana and Furrever Token?  — Blockchain Media Indonesia

          How Will This Impact the Growth of Solana and Furrever Token? — Blockchain Media Indonesia

          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Privacy Policy
          • Publishing Request
          • Contact

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.

          Welcome Back!

          Login to your account below

          Forgotten Password?

          Retrieve your password

          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

          Log In
          No Result
          View All Result
          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Contact
          • Privacy Policy

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.