SOUTHEND Council could be forced to accept 800 refugees into the borough, despite a significant shortage of affordable houses making it difficult to find homes for people fleeing conflicts.

The number of refugees councils are expected to take on may be set to increase, after figures revealed that 28,526 migrants crossed the Channel in 2021.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman (pictured right) has come under fire for taking a hard line on immigration but tensions are rising at a migrant processing centre in Dover following a suspected right-wing terrorist attack.

Currently, the government expects councils to take refugees equating to 0.07 per cent of the area’s population. This equates to 131 people for Southend.

However a Government consultation is underway which could increase that percentage to 0.5 per cent. According to a council report that would equate to 800 people.

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Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for economic recovery, regeneration and housing, said: “That is what the Home Office are indicating they want council’s to take and that would be 800 people in Southend.

“Local authorities are pushing back at the Government to say that’s not a sustainable number but ultimately it will be down to a Government decision.

“This is an indication at the moment of what might be necessary. It would depend on the numbers coming across but it would be 800 now.”

The Park Inn by Radisson Palace hotel in Southend is operating under a Government contract as a “bridging hotel” with capacity for up to 118 people.

The council receives funding for, and has supported, 193 Afghans in the hotel to date.

Through the national Homes For Ukraine scheme, set up by central government, there have been 135 Ukrainian arrivals in Southend, with 91 guests in hosted accommodation.

The shortage of affordable housing in the city is having a big impact on the schemes, however.

Mr Gilbert said: “In many cases people are here owing to government decisions that the council has no say over.

“Lack of affordable housing is a huge constraint in Southend, and we must be realistic about our capacity to help.

“Nevertheless, we will be positive about supporting people fleeing war and violence.”