John Mappin discusses migrant homes plan
GB NEWS
John Mappin demanded 'sane people in government'
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Hotel owner John Mappin has launched a scathing attack on Labour's plan to house migrants in private rental properties across the UK.
Speaking on GB News, the Camelot Hotel owner expressed shock at the government's approach to migrant accommodation.
"I'm shocked by the whole thing. I just wonder when we're going to start calling this what it is - an invasion," Mappin said.
He questioned when "sane enough people in Government" would make decisions to protect communities.
John Mappin wants 'sane people' in government
GB NEWS
Mappin revealed he had been informed about companies offering a 25 per cent premium to landlords for migrant housing.
"They were suggesting to evict the existing families in these properties who are currently renting them," he told GB News.
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He questioned the government's reasoning, asking: "Has this Government absolutely lost leave of its senses? What is this going to do to the rental market? What will this do for prices?"
"For me, it is almost as if Parliament is filled with a bunch of lunatics."
His concerns come as Serco, a private contractor working for the Home Office, is actively seeking landlords to provide homes for asylum seekers.
The company is offering five-year "full rent" agreements to property owners in the Midlands, North West, and East of England.
Mappin joined Nana Akua on GB News
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Serco currently manages accommodation for over 30,000 asylum seekers across more than 7,000 properties.
The initiative aims to expand this "ever growing" portfolio, despite councils already feeling the strain of the Channel migrant crisis.
Mappin expressed concern about the financial implications for taxpayers, noting that any property damage would be repaired at public expense.
"It's not the Government's money, it's our money. I don't want to pay tax to repair other people's rental properties," he stated.
He highlighted the impact on local communities, particularly young couples seeking accommodation.
"I look at what this is doing to local communities - to young couples trying to find rental properties."
This is not the first time Mappin has taken a stand on migrant accommodation issues.
In 2022, he revealed to GB News that he had rejected a £1 million offer from the Home Office to use his Cornwall hotel for housing migrants for a year.
According to a Swiss investor who contacted Mappin, the financial incentives being offered make it "a no-brainer" for investment groups, particularly as the government guarantees to cover repair costs.
The scheme comes as reports indicate housing migrants in private rental homes could cost the government as little as £34 per night, compared to £145 per night for hotel accommodation.
Critics like Mappin suggest the policy is distorting the rental market by offering premium rates that private tenants cannot match.
With Serco actively expanding its migrant housing portfolio across 120 communities, questions remain about the long-term impact on local housing availability and the effective use of taxpayer funds.