Council angry over asylum plans

All councils are being asked to house asylum-seekers

Councillors in north Wales have been angered at the lack of warning they have been given about the arrival of asylum-seekers.

At a meeting of Wrexham County Council on Tuesday, officials will be told that more time should be given so that they can prepare accommodation.

The council executive will also be told to lobby the National Assembly for Wales to press for more central government money to educate the children of asylum-seekers.

There are currently 30 asylum-seekers housed in Wrexham but, under a central government initiative, more are expected soon.

It has been just over a year since Wrexham council first discussed plans to accommodate asylum seekers.

Under central government policy, the plan was to house around 5,000 in Wales, in order to help relieve pressure on London and the south-east of England.

Along with Newport and Swansea, Wrexham was chosen to lead the scheme.

The cost of re-housing asylum seekers in Wales over the next three years is expected to reach £25m.

Councils across Wales have been talking to the Home Office about the numbers of people which can be accommodated.

Authorities in Wales also want to ensure that Westminster will pick up the bill for re-housing.