Asylum seekers in the Black Country: One-in-three being sent to West Midlands
One in three asylum seekers are being sent to the West Midlands, says a leading migration boss.
Roger Lawrence, chairman of the West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership, said the region is 'shouldering an unfair burden'.
Mr Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton council, said: "We believe that around one-third of all claimants nationally are being accommodated in the West Midlands.
"I am asking the Home Office to look again at the number of local authorities that asylum seekers are currently dispersed to.
"A small number are shouldering an unfair burden, including ourselves.
"I'm seeking an early meeting to get the best possible outcome for these vulnerable people and to ensure a fairer solution for already 'under the cosh' local authorities in the West Midlands."
The Home Office won't disclose numbers of asylum seekers or the locations of accommodation for their 'protection and privacy'.
But official figures show the number in Sandwell was 695, in Wolverhampton it was 645, Walsall was 234, and Dudley was 226. In Birmingham there were 1,400.
Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, said: "It is not right that the Black Country and West Midlands are housing more asylum seekers than other areas. We have a long waiting lists for housing as it is."
Patrick Harley, leader of the Conservative opposition on Dudley Council, added: "We want to see all areas take their fair share."
Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper has said the area will refuse to take any more migrants or asylum seekers until other parts of the country take more, adding: "Wealthier areas have to take their fair share too."
