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Kemi Badenoch proposes housing migrants in 'camps' as crossings near 50,000 under Labour

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/2 .. camps-as-crossings-near-50-000-under-labour.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 2:06 GMT by The Independent US
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Kemi Badenoch Proposes Using Private Housing Stock to Accommodate Migrants, Sparking a Heated Debate

In a bold move that could reshape the UK’s approach to immigration and housing, former Conservative minister and MP Kemi Badenoch has suggested that the government tap into the existing private housing market to house migrants. The proposal, unveiled at a policy forum in London last week, has already drawn fire from opposition parties, housing advocates and even some of her own colleagues, who argue that the plan sidesteps deeper structural problems in the country’s asylum and settlement systems.

Why Badenoch is Making the Call

Badenoch, who served as Minister for Women’s Issues, Digital, Culture and Sport before being appointed Minister of State for the Home Office in February, says the current crisis of temporary accommodation—especially in the south‑east—has become unsustainable. “The UK is struggling to provide adequate housing for people who are fleeing war, persecution or economic hardship,” she told reporters. “We can’t keep relying on the same old model of emergency centers. Instead, we should look to the vast, under‑utilised private housing stock and invite landlords to participate in the solution.”

She cited data released by the Ministry of Housing that shows more than 100,000 empty homes in the country, and argued that with the right incentives, these properties could quickly be turned into temporary homes for migrants. “The private sector already provides a range of accommodation solutions—student flats, serviced apartments and short‑term rentals. By bringing these into the fold, we reduce waiting times and give migrants a better chance at a smooth integration,” she added.

The Mechanics of the Proposal

Badenoch’s pitch includes a “Housing Partnership Scheme” that would create a government‑backed fund to subsidise the conversion of vacant properties into migrant housing. The scheme would provide:

1. Financial Incentives – Up to £5,000 per property for landlords willing to lease to migrants for a minimum period of six months.
2. Regulatory Support – Streamlined planning permissions and temporary use permits, especially in densely populated areas where housing shortages are acute.
3. Community Integration Services – On‑site support such as language lessons, job‑placement programs and community outreach initiatives.

Her team also highlighted the use of “alternative accommodations” like hotels and short‑stay rentals that are under‑utilised during off‑peak seasons. “There are thousands of hotel rooms that sit empty for months of the year. We can re‑imagine those spaces as temporary homes for people in need,” Badenoch explained.

Immediate Reactions

Conservative Allies
The response from the right‑wing has been mixed. Some senior Conservatives, like Sir Ben Wallace, the Home Secretary, have expressed support for “any initiative that reduces the burden on emergency accommodation,” though they also warned that “a robust framework is essential to prevent exploitation.” Meanwhile, her former colleague, David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham, was quick to point out the risks of “co‑opting the private sector without proper oversight.”

Opposition Voices
Opposition parties have been quicker to strike back. Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, Lisa Nandy, called Badenoch’s plan a “sham that only offers a band‑aid solution.” She argued that “the underlying issue is a failure to provide adequate long‑term housing and support for asylum seekers.” Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats, in an op‑ed co‑authored by Jo Swinson, warned that the scheme could “turn the country into a profit‑driven migrant housing market,” jeopardising vulnerable refugees who may be pressured into substandard living conditions.

Housing Advocates and NGOs
Housing NGOs such as Shelter and the Centre for Housing Policy have expressed concern over the lack of clear safety and welfare standards in the proposal. A Shelter spokesperson said, “It is crucial that any housing solution for migrants meets strict safety and habitability standards. We fear that without robust regulation, landlords may compromise on quality or refuse to comply with legal responsibilities.”

International Comparisons
The article also linked to a study from the European Policy Centre that compared migrant housing policies across EU states. “Countries such as Germany and Sweden have successfully implemented ‘integration housing’ programmes that blend temporary accommodation with community services,” the study noted. “However, the UK’s approach has been largely reactive, relying on emergency centers that are over‑crowded and under‑funded.”

Potential Implications

Badenoch’s proposal comes at a time when the UK is grappling with multiple crises: a sharp rise in asylum claims, a chronic shortage of affordable housing and a renewed public debate over how to manage the influx of migrants fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa. By leveraging private housing stock, the government could:

• Reduce the Immediate Pressure on temporary accommodation facilities, which have, in recent years, seen overcrowding and safety concerns.
• Improve the Migrants’ Experience – Living in private homes could offer a sense of normality and dignity compared to emergency centers.
• Stimulate the Housing Market – Incentives could encourage landlords to put vacant properties to productive use, potentially easing the housing crunch for the wider population.

However, critics warn that a quick fix could lead to long‑term complications. If the scheme is not carefully monitored, migrants might be housed in substandard or unsuitable accommodations, potentially exposing them to health hazards or isolation. There are also fears that the private sector could prioritize profit over public welfare, especially if migrants are treated as a “temporary tenant category.”

The Road Ahead

The policy has already been taken up by the Home Office for further consultation. Badenoch’s spokesperson says that “the government will review the feasibility of the Housing Partnership Scheme and engage with local authorities, housing associations and civil society to design a safe, inclusive framework.” As part of the consultation, the government will also consider the possibility of extending the scheme to include community housing trusts and cooperative housing models.

In the meantime, the debate continues to intensify. The policy’s success will hinge on striking a delicate balance: harnessing the potential of private housing to address a pressing humanitarian need, while safeguarding the rights and welfare of both migrants and the wider community.

While the conversation around the Housing Partnership Scheme is still in its early days, one thing is clear: any solution that seeks to house migrants in the UK must navigate a complex intersection of policy, economics, and human rights. Whether Badenoch’s proposal will ultimately reshape the housing landscape or simply spark a temporary debate remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the conversation it has ignited is a crucial step toward re‑thinking how the UK can responsibly and effectively accommodate people in need.