𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The government has denied accusations that the Home Office is not providing accurate data on asylum seekers to a UK town. Lincolnshire PCC Marc Jones (Independent) has said that the Home Office is not giving the same information about asylum seekers in Grantham to Lincolnshire Police and to South Kesteven District Council (SKDC). He told members of the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel that he was confident the force was doing all it could to “make appropriate representations” with the information it had, at a meeting held on Friday, June 12.

However, he said problems arise when there are discrepencies in the information given to various parties. “The bit where I think it breaks down is the fact that it’s clear to me – and these are my words, not the chief’s – it doesn’t appear the same information is being given to local government and policing,” he said. “And yet both parties are being told they can’t discuss what they know with the other.

“That’s an intolerable position. It is not in the best interest of our community. It is not in the best interest of those seeking asylum, either – because they need to be protected and kept safe while they are members of our community.

“So, having the right information – accurate information – about how many properties there are, how many people are in the properties, what the background information is on the people in the properties – is vital.”

LincolnshireLive reported that Ms Jones also said that changes are needed on a national scale, and soon. He added: “That is something that we’re working on with local government partners, representations being made to ministers and to others to try to make sure that there’s one version of the truth – and it is the truth.

“Because, whether it’s [a mistake] or conspiracy, there are definitely differences in the information being provided and that is not acceptable.”

A Home Office spokesperson denied the claims and said is is working hard to provide as much information as it can. “We don’t recognise this assessment,” they said.

“Information is shared regularly with all relevant partners, in line with their roles and responsibilities, ensuring action is taken to protect the safety and security of local communities.”

SKDC has previously expressed concerns about the number of asylum seekers in accommodation in Grantham, saying that the town is takes in disproportionately more asylum seekers than other parts of Lincolnshire.