Powys councillor disputes asylum seeker residency figures

Conservative Councillor Pete Lewington is seeking clarification regarding the number of asylum seekers residing in Powys. This inquiry follows a statement from Deputy Council Leader Matthew Dorrance, who indicated that only four asylum seekers—specifically one family of four—had been placed in local accommodation by the Home Office provider, Clearsprings Ready Homes.

Cllr Lewington has expressed concern that the reported figure may not encompass all asylum seekers in the county. He cited Home Office data showing over 73,000 asylum seekers in non-hotel accommodation and noted the UK government's intention to disperse these individuals more widely. Lewington argued that residents and councillors should be able to ask questions without being accused of creating ‘unnecessary alarm’.