Asylum hotel firm hands back almost £14m in profits amid anger over service
Summary
A company called Mears, which provides accommodation for asylum seekers in the UK, returned almost £14 million to the Home Office because it made more money than allowed by its contracts. Some former residents complained about the poor living conditions, saying it affected their health. These complaints included issues with food quality and inadequate facilities for people with disabilities.Key Facts
- Mears is one of the largest asylum accommodation providers in the UK.
- The company had to give back £13.8 million to the Home Office after making more profit than permitted.
- Mears made a higher profit in Northern Ireland due to lower costs related to not needing to disperse asylum seekers among local authorities.
- Complaints from former residents highlighted issues like insufficient food and unsuitable living conditions.
- Residents reported health problems, including malnutrition and worsening of existing conditions, which they linked to these living conditions.
- Mears stated that the accommodation is approved and inspected regularly by the Home Office.
- The company said it had not received enough details to investigate specific resident claims.
- Mears aims to stop using hotels and currently houses about 246 asylum seekers in them in Northern Ireland.
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