Havant Borough Council is aware that there are concerns in the community about a proposal by the Home Office to use an address in Waterlooville Town Centre, as dispersal accommodation for asylum seekers.
The Home Office and Clearsprings, the property procurement company acting on their behalf, contacted Havant Borough Council in June 2025 in relation to a consultation on these placements.
It has since become apparent the email to consult on this matter had been sent to the email address of an external contractor who was not only not qualified to respond, but also no longer works on behalf of the council.
Havant Borough Council does not consider appropriate contact was made and has highlighted to both the Home Office and Clearsprings that matters of this sensitive nature must firmly be discussed in the first instance with the Chief Executive and lead for Housing, in addition to the elected Administration.
The council has since been in contact with The Home Office, urgently requesting that the consultation period is extended to allow the council to express its views on this matter. This is to ensure matters of this nature are given proper consideration, allowing for qualified feedback to be expressed under a formal process.
The Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Phil Munday, said “I understand we have an instructed duty from the Home Office to house asylum seekers within the borough, however it is important that the council works closely with all concerned to advise on the placement for these vulnerable people.
“I have taken immediate action and personally called The Home Office to request an extension to their consultation in order for us to respond accordingly. This has also been followed up with formal requests in writing from our officers.
“We are extremely disappointed that the company involved with this important consultation, considering the impact it may have on our local community, was not only sent to an incorrect email address, but they also failed to follow up to ensure a response of some kind was registered. These consultation exercises need to be taken seriously.
Councillor Phil Munday added “I also have grave concerns on the impact the recent video posted by MP Suella Braverman will have, and I would urge the community to act responsibly and allow us to address this matter formally in the correct manner.
As part of my open letter to Suella Braverman MP on this matter I will be reminding her that those who could potentially be accommodated somewhere within our borough, will be supported asylum seekers. They are categorically not recognised by the state as illegal immigrants – regardless of the headline-grabbing title of Suella Braverman’s petition – and I urge people to consider this in their views and actions.”