Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Right to Rent housing scheme ‘racist’

A scheme requiring British landlords to check the immigration status of prospective tenants discriminates against foreign nationals and Britons from ethnic minorities, a charity said on Monday (13).

The Right to Rent scheme, part of wider measures by the British government to tackle illegal immigration, threatens landlords and letting agents with a maximum £3,000 fine or up to five years in prison if they fail to check the passport or immigration documents of tenants.


A survey by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), a charity campaigning for migrant and refugee rights, found 51 per cent of landlords said they would be less likely to rent to a foreign national under the scheme.

In a test conducted by JCWI of Britons without passports, an applicant from an ethnic minority was turned down by 58 per cent of landlords – 14 per cent more often than a white British applicant in the same situation.

Saira Grant, chief executive of JCWI, said the scheme was clearly discriminatory and there was no evidence it reduced “irregular immigration”.

“Creating a so-called ‘hostile environment’ that targets vulnerable men, women and children is bad enough, implementing a scheme that traps and discriminates against British citizens is absurd,” Grant said in a statement.

A Home Office spokesperson said it had been monitoring the scheme and found no evidence of discrimination.

The Right to Rent scheme, introduced in February 2016, aims to prevent illegal immigrants from establishing a settled life in the UK, which could slow the process of deportation, according to the Home Office website.

The scheme, which operates across England, is set to be extended to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland this year.

Liberal Democrat shadow home secretary Brian Paddick said the party in the House of Lords “vehemently opposed these measures because we believed that unlawful discrimination would be the unintended consequence. This research shows that our worst fears have been realised.

“The research shows it is almost impossible for the most vulnerable in our society, including those legitimately seeking asylum, to find a home to rent.”

Stuart McDonald, immigration spokesperson for Scotland’s ruling Scottish National Party, called for an immediate halt to the “toxic” scheme which he said turned landlords into de facto immigration officers.

McDonald said Britain’s immigration minister had failed to provide any evidence of the scheme’s effectiveness. The Home Office spokesperson confirmed it was continuing in negotiations with the Scottish parliament and other authorities to roll out the scheme.

The report said asylum seekers, stateless persons, and victims of modern day slavery were the worst effected by the scheme.

More For You

crypto

Two men have been jailed for defrauding investors of £1.5 million through a fake crypto investment scheme. (Representational image: iStock)

Two jailed over £1.5m crypto investment scam

TWO people who duped investors of £1.5 million by selling fake investments in crypto have been jailed for 12 years, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said.

Raymondip Bedi, of Bromley, and Patrick Mavanga, of Peckham, conned at least 65 people by cold-calling them between February 2017 and June 2019. They operated companies including CCX Capital and Astaria Group LLP.

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Corbyn- Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana with Jeremy Corbyn during a protest outside Downing Street demanding the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. (Photo: X/@zarahsultana)

X/@zarahsultana

Zarah Sultana leaves Labour, plans new party with Corbyn and independents

FORMER Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party and plans to launch a new political party alongside ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs and activists.

Sultana, who represents Coventry South, lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hasmukh Shah

The certificate was presented to Shah at the Welsh parliament by Anita Bailey, Home Office Director Windrush Unit.

Hasmukh Shah receives UK minister’s certificate of appreciation

A prominent Asian doctor has been recognised for his services to the community. Prof Hasmukh Shah has received a certificate of appreciation for his contribution and services to the United Kingdom.

The certificate was issued by Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, as part of the Windrush Cymru Elders and Race Council Cymru’s Windrush work in Wales.

Keep ReadingShow less