The Home Office has launched a recruitment drive targeting landlords to house asylum seekers as Channel migrant crossings surge to record levels.
Serco, one of three private contractors working for the Home Office, is offering landlords five-year guaranteed full rent deals at the taxpayer's expense.
The firm already houses more than 30,000 asylum seekers across over 7,000 properties in what it describes as an "ever growing" portfolio.
This push comes after a new record for daily small boat arrivals was set earlier this month.
This push comes after a new record for daily small boat arrivals was set earlier this month
PA
Landlords were invited to a Serco event at a four-star hotel in the Malvern Hills, though the Home Office later cancelled it.
The company's website entices property owners with promises of rent paid "on time every month with no arrears".
Additional benefits include full repair and maintenance, free property management, and all utilities and council tax bills covered by Serco.
Housing migrants in private accommodation costs taxpayers significantly less than hotels - as little as £14 per night compared to around £145.
The recruitment drive targets HMOs, family properties, former care homes, and student accommodation.
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Housing migrants in private accommodation costs taxpayers significantly less than hotels - as little as £14 per night compared to around £145
GettyChannel crossings are rising sharply, with 9,638 people arriving illegally so far this year - 44.5 per cent higher than the same period last year.
This represents the largest number since small boats first began arriving in 2018.
Home Office figures reveal contractors are now responsible for housing 65,700 asylum seekers, a 10-year high.
This figure has doubled from the 31,000 in "dispersal accommodation" in 2014.
It is estimated there are now at least 16,000 "dispersal accommodation" properties run by the three contractors - Serco, Mears and Clearsprings.
The scheme was first introduced by the Conservatives but is being expanded under Labour, who pledged during the election campaign to "end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds".
However, Home Office data showed 38,000 asylum seekers remained in hotels as of December, costing £5.5 million daily.
Home Office figures reveal contractors are now responsible for housing 65,700 asylum seekers, a 10-year high
PAChris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, criticised the approach, saying: "Labour is once again giving a better deal to illegal immigrants than people who have lived, worked and paid tax here all their lives."
He argued these migrants "should have been sent to Rwanda, not put up in nice flats."
A Home Office spokesman defended the policy, stating: "These arrangements with the private rented sector have been in place for years, including under the previous government."
The spokesman added that the government has "a statutory duty to support destitute asylum seekers" who cannot pay for utilities and council tax.
The approach has sparked backlash from councils and charities who argue it denies homes to local people.
One council leader criticised Serco for "encouraging landlords to exploit taxpayers," adding: "I don't think it's good for the fabric of society or the individuals involved."
