Leader says city council is fighting disinformation over housing crisis

Ted Peskett, local democracy reporter

The leader of Cardiff Council said the local authority is fighting disinformation when it comes to the city’s housing crisis.

Cllr Huw Thomas spoke at the city council’s policy review and performance scrutiny committee on Wednesday, September 11, where members were presented with a report showing demand for temporary and emergency housing and services has increased.

The wellbeing report states there was “significant demand pressures” on the local authority between October and December 2023 after 497 asylum seekers received a notice to vacate their accommodation following positive decisions on their asylum claims.

Asylum seekers

However, Cllr Thomas said it was not the case that asylum seekers were arriving and instantly gaining access to council homes.

When an asylum seeker receives a positive decision, in other words being granted leave to remain in the UK, they will stop receiving asylum support.

Cllr Thomas said: “I think there is a huge amount of disinformation at play and I think that is one of our challenges.

“Members will be aware about the significant investment with grant support from Welsh Government that we have put into Gasworks site in Grangetown – supported accommodation, temporary accommodation overwhelmingly for families from Cardiff and yet there are far right groups claiming that is in its entirety a refugee camp.”

Modular homes

Work started on the construction of modular homes at the former gasworks site along Ferry Road in 2022.

The development of the site has provided 155 temporary homes for families in Cardiff. However, misinformation spread online incorrectly claimed it was a housing complex for asylum seekers.

Cllr Thomas added: “We are fighting disinformation, but I think it is really important for members of the public to understand, and I am sure we have all heard it in our surgeries, the perception of somebody coming here and getting an instant council house.

“That isn’t the case, but there will be clear legal duties on local authorities in terms of housing asylum seekers, and the expansion of certain facilities that we are putting into place is taking pressure away from the general housing waiting list.”

The leader’s comments came after a question from one of the scrutiny committee members, Cllr Garry Hunt, on whether the council could better communicate its support for refugees.

After repeating his question, Cllr Thomas said: “We will continue to do our best.”