FAQs

Frequently asked questions 

What is an asylum seeker? 

The Refugee Council defines an asylum seeker as someone who has fled persecution in their own country, arrived in another country, made themselves known to the authorities and exercised the legal right to apply for asylum. 

In practice, this means asylum seekers have applied to live in the UK because they fear persecution in their home country. The Home Office considers their case and decides whether their application should be accepted or refused. 

Can asylum seekers work or claim benefits? 

While an asylum claim is being assessed, people are usually not allowed to work and can't claim mainstream benefits. Support and accommodation are arranged through the Home Office asylum support system. 

Who has made the decision about Dutton Close? 

The decision has been made by the Home Office and delivered through Serco. Shropshire Council didn't choose the site and isn't responsible for placing people there. 

Why is Shropshire Council concerned? 

We've raised concerns because Dutton Close is in a rural location with limited local amenities and transport links. We're also concerned about the potential impact on local infrastructure and services, and whether the location is suitable for people who may need access to support while their asylum claim is being considered. 

Will the council share information about the people placed there? 

No. Information about individuals or families placed in asylum accommodation is confidential. We'll only share information that can be made public and that doesn't identify individuals. 

How can residents raise concerns? 

Residents should report any immediate risk, crime or emergency to the police. Concerns about council services can be raised through the relevant Shropshire Council service. We'll continue to work with the parish council and local partners to understand and respond to community concerns. 

Where can I find information about school numbers, admission numbers and capacity? 

School numbers and admission information are published in our parents’ guide to education. 

You can also find school numbers and capacity information for Stoke-on-Tern and all other schools on the publicly available 'Get Information about Schools' service. 

Please note that figures may differ between sources. This is because the Get Information about Schools data is based on the most recent census information uploaded by the Department for Education, while our guide may contain a more recent local figure. 

Will Shropshire Council attend public meetings about Dutton Close? 

We're committed to engaging with residents of Dutton Close, the parish council and other local representatives. 

We're aware that a number of community meetings are being arranged. We understand that neither the Home Office, which is responsible for asylum accommodation decisions, nor Serco, as the lead delivery organisation, will be attending these meetings. 

As a council, we're limited in what we can share publicly because of confidentiality requirements placed on us. We understand that not being able to answer questions fully can be frustrating for residents. 

We're reviewing all available options, but until we have more information that can be shared publicly, and with neither the Home Office nor Serco attending, we're unable to attend a public meeting at this time. 

We remain committed to ongoing engagement and communication. In the meantime, we'll continue to engage directly with all relevant parties.