In response to numerous public inquiries, Perth and Kinross Council has issued a comprehensive clarification regarding the presence of asylum seekers and refugees within the local area. The local authority has provided in-depth answers to frequently asked questions, covering everything from operational funding and associated costs to the diverse nationalities supported and the outcomes of site inspections.
This detailed release comes amidst heightened community interest, particularly following recent discussions and peaceful demonstrations in Perth concerning immigration matters. The council has also moved to dispel unsubstantiated claims circulating about a significant increase in the number of individuals being accommodated in the city. Understanding Key Distinctions: Asylum Seeker vs. Refugee
To fully grasp the council’s role and responsibilities, it’s crucial to differentiate between an asylum seeker and a refugee. An asylum seeker is an individual who has fled their native country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution, and whose application for protection in the United Kingdom is currently under review. Conversely, a refugee is someone who has been formally granted protection status under international or national law, confirming their right to reside in the UK. Once refugee status is granted, individuals are no longer housed in temporary accommodation like hotels. Current Accommodation Landscape in Perth and Kinross
As of August 14, a total of 191 asylum seekers were being accommodated across two hotels within Perth. While these locations are generally recognized publicly, the Perth and Kinross Council consciously refrains from officially naming these hotels. This policy is in place to mitigate potential risks of public disorder and ensure the safety and privacy of those residing there. Future Accommodation: Squashing Rumours
Local speculation about a substantial increase in asylum seeker numbers in Perth has been directly addressed by the council. Officials confirm there are no immediate plans to expand current accommodation provisions. The council maintains a regular, weekly dialogue with the UK Home Office to discuss existing arrangements. Any requirement for additional housing would necessitate a formal request from the Home Office or its partner, Mears Group plc, followed by a thorough assessment by the local authority. No such assessment has been initiated for any property in the Perth and Kinross area, rendering circulating rumours unfounded. Diverse Nationalities and Resettlement Efforts
While Perth and Kinross Council does not maintain records of the nationalities of asylum applicants or hotel residents, information regarding individuals resettled through official UK refugee schemes has been made public. These resettlement programmes cater to refugees who have already been granted formal status, meaning they are not residing in the Perth hotels designated for asylum seekers.
Notable figures include 19 refugees resettled via the Afghan Reallocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) in the 2021/2022 period, with an additional seven arriving through ACRS in 2024/2025. The Homes for Ukraine Scheme facilitated the arrival of 350 refugees in Perth and Kinross during 2022, underscoring the community’s role in supporting those displaced by conflict. Furthermore, four individuals arrived through the Sudan United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) in 2023/2024.
Insights from a previous interview with a local street pastor in February 2023 indicated that asylum seekers residing in one of the Perth hotels predominantly originated from countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Kuwait, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, and Nigeria. These individuals were noted to be exclusively male, aged between 20 and 45, and had typically arrived in the UK via Belfast or across the English Channel. Financial Support: Who Pays for What?
A key point clarified by the council is that the direct costs associated with accommodating asylum seekers, including their placement in hotels, are fully covered by the UK Government. Perth and Kinross Council’s financial involvement pertains to supporting asylum seekers with integration and welfare services, for which it receives specific funding from the Home Office.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, the council received £231,000 from the Home Office, supplemented by £53,000 carried over from the previous 2024/2025 year. This funding has been meticulously allocated across various crucial support areas:
– *£41,502* for facilitating health checks and GP registration. – *£6,500* dedicated to trauma support initiatives. – *£44,128* towards English language and educational programmes. – *£15,030* for employability skills and wider welfare support projects. – *£23,000* invested in a digital inclusion project. – *£98,000* allocated to housing move-on support. – *£14,569.20* for community and social connections projects. – *£2,000* for a legal and cultural integration advice project.
Regarding refugees, the council has received substantial funding over the past five years, approximately £5.6 million, from both the UK and Scottish governments. A significant portion of this funding has been directed towards assisting individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK Government’s contributions specifically for refugees amounted to £115,338 in 2021/2022, £125,600 in 2022/2023, £96,087 in 2023/2024, and £65,779 in 2024/2025. Impact on Local Homelessness Services
A notable trend highlighted by the council is the increasing number of homelessness presentations from successful asylum claimants in recent years. This rise is attributed to the UK Government’s accelerated processing of asylum claims. When a claim is successful, individuals are granted ‘humanitarian protection’ or ‘refugee’ status, making them eligible for mainstream homelessness services and social housing. Consequently, some individuals may leave their temporary hotel accommodation before permanent housing solutions are secured, leading them to seek assistance from local homelessness services.
The recorded figures for homelessness presentations by former asylum seekers in Perth and Kinross are as follows: 5 in 2019/2020, 5 in 2020/2021, 0 in 2021/2022, 15 in 2022/2023, and 35 in 2024/2025. It’s important to note that some of these individuals may have subsequently sought housing in other areas of Scotland or the UK. Ensuring Welfare: Hotel Inspections
Environmental health officers have conducted four inspections of the asylum accommodation facilities in Perth. In 2023, an inspection identified and subsequently addressed a kitchen drainage issue. This year, one of the two inspections carried out revealed a lift malfunction, which was promptly resolved. These inspections underscore the ongoing oversight of the living conditions provided to asylum seekers in the area.”
This detailed release comes amidst heightened community interest, particularly following recent discussions and peaceful demonstrations in Perth concerning immigration matters. The council has also moved to dispel unsubstantiated claims circulating about a significant increase in the number of individuals being accommodated in the city. Understanding Key Distinctions: Asylum Seeker vs. Refugee
To fully grasp the council’s role and responsibilities, it’s crucial to differentiate between an asylum seeker and a refugee. An asylum seeker is an individual who has fled their native country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution, and whose application for protection in the United Kingdom is currently under review. Conversely, a refugee is someone who has been formally granted protection status under international or national law, confirming their right to reside in the UK. Once refugee status is granted, individuals are no longer housed in temporary accommodation like hotels. Current Accommodation Landscape in Perth and Kinross
As of August 14, a total of 191 asylum seekers were being accommodated across two hotels within Perth. While these locations are generally recognized publicly, the Perth and Kinross Council consciously refrains from officially naming these hotels. This policy is in place to mitigate potential risks of public disorder and ensure the safety and privacy of those residing there. Future Accommodation: Squashing Rumours
Local speculation about a substantial increase in asylum seeker numbers in Perth has been directly addressed by the council. Officials confirm there are no immediate plans to expand current accommodation provisions. The council maintains a regular, weekly dialogue with the UK Home Office to discuss existing arrangements. Any requirement for additional housing would necessitate a formal request from the Home Office or its partner, Mears Group plc, followed by a thorough assessment by the local authority. No such assessment has been initiated for any property in the Perth and Kinross area, rendering circulating rumours unfounded. Diverse Nationalities and Resettlement Efforts
While Perth and Kinross Council does not maintain records of the nationalities of asylum applicants or hotel residents, information regarding individuals resettled through official UK refugee schemes has been made public. These resettlement programmes cater to refugees who have already been granted formal status, meaning they are not residing in the Perth hotels designated for asylum seekers.
Notable figures include 19 refugees resettled via the Afghan Reallocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) in the 2021/2022 period, with an additional seven arriving through ACRS in 2024/2025. The Homes for Ukraine Scheme facilitated the arrival of 350 refugees in Perth and Kinross during 2022, underscoring the community’s role in supporting those displaced by conflict. Furthermore, four individuals arrived through the Sudan United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) in 2023/2024.
Insights from a previous interview with a local street pastor in February 2023 indicated that asylum seekers residing in one of the Perth hotels predominantly originated from countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Kuwait, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, and Nigeria. These individuals were noted to be exclusively male, aged between 20 and 45, and had typically arrived in the UK via Belfast or across the English Channel. Financial Support: Who Pays for What?
A key point clarified by the council is that the direct costs associated with accommodating asylum seekers, including their placement in hotels, are fully covered by the UK Government. Perth and Kinross Council’s financial involvement pertains to supporting asylum seekers with integration and welfare services, for which it receives specific funding from the Home Office.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, the council received £231,000 from the Home Office, supplemented by £53,000 carried over from the previous 2024/2025 year. This funding has been meticulously allocated across various crucial support areas:
– *£41,502* for facilitating health checks and GP registration. – *£6,500* dedicated to trauma support initiatives. – *£44,128* towards English language and educational programmes. – *£15,030* for employability skills and wider welfare support projects. – *£23,000* invested in a digital inclusion project. – *£98,000* allocated to housing move-on support. – *£14,569.20* for community and social connections projects. – *£2,000* for a legal and cultural integration advice project.
Regarding refugees, the council has received substantial funding over the past five years, approximately £5.6 million, from both the UK and Scottish governments. A significant portion of this funding has been directed towards assisting individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK Government’s contributions specifically for refugees amounted to £115,338 in 2021/2022, £125,600 in 2022/2023, £96,087 in 2023/2024, and £65,779 in 2024/2025. Impact on Local Homelessness Services
A notable trend highlighted by the council is the increasing number of homelessness presentations from successful asylum claimants in recent years. This rise is attributed to the UK Government’s accelerated processing of asylum claims. When a claim is successful, individuals are granted ‘humanitarian protection’ or ‘refugee’ status, making them eligible for mainstream homelessness services and social housing. Consequently, some individuals may leave their temporary hotel accommodation before permanent housing solutions are secured, leading them to seek assistance from local homelessness services.
The recorded figures for homelessness presentations by former asylum seekers in Perth and Kinross are as follows: 5 in 2019/2020, 5 in 2020/2021, 0 in 2021/2022, 15 in 2022/2023, and 35 in 2024/2025. It’s important to note that some of these individuals may have subsequently sought housing in other areas of Scotland or the UK. Ensuring Welfare: Hotel Inspections
Environmental health officers have conducted four inspections of the asylum accommodation facilities in Perth. In 2023, an inspection identified and subsequently addressed a kitchen drainage issue. This year, one of the two inspections carried out revealed a lift malfunction, which was promptly resolved. These inspections underscore the ongoing oversight of the living conditions provided to asylum seekers in the area.”