Asylum consultation extended after 'email problem'

Havant Borough Council has raised concerns after a Home Office email went to an external contractor

The consultation period for planned asylum seeker housing in a town centre has been extended due to "communication problems" at a local council.

Havant Borough Council previously said there had not been "appropriate contact" about possible dispersal accommodation in Waterlooville.

The authority said the Home Office and its property procurement company had emailed in June about the proposal, but this was "sent to the email address of an external contractor" who no longer works for the council.

In an update earlier, the authority confirmed a 10-day consultation had since been secured after "strong and honest dialogue" with the Home Office.

The consultation being reopened comes after council leader Phil Munday said he was "extremely disappointed" there was no follow-up to ensure there had been a response.

When the authority was made aware of the "communication problem" it said it "promptly took action" to secure an extension.

The statement said the consultation would allow it more time to "formally respond on potential issues such as appropriate placement, community cohesion and other variables that the council is ideally placed to highlight".

"The council as part of this consultation, will secure perspectives and feedback from councillors, key stakeholders and more to inform their opinion," it added.

Mr Munday said he would be meeting with the Home Office on Friday to "highlight his concerns to date".

He added: "The council has unequivocally fought hard to secure the consultation and the means to give our vital local perspective on this important issue.

"Everything is being done to ensure our voice is heard whilst dealing with a challenge being felt nationally. I look forward to the council providing a response that reflects the concerns of the borough."

The council now has until Friday 1 August to respond to the consultation, at which point it will await the Home Office's final decision on whether to approve the proposed accommodation.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are working to fairly disperse asylum seekers across the country, consulting closely with local authorities and listening to local concerns."