Adobe StockEdinburgh Council has hit out at “misinformation” being shared online, including the “entirely false” claim that people with leave to remain are prioritised for housing.
The local authority released a statement after an article and social media posts “inaccurately reported” details regarding the prioritisation of council housing.
There have been claims that councils across the country are using empty properties to house asylum seekers; however, providing accommodation to those seeking asylum is the duty of the UK Home Office, not local authorities.
The latest response has come mere days after the Telegraph published a story headlined “Asylum seekers bumped to top of council housing list”.
The article reports that those who have had their asylum claims approved are being prioritised for social housing as part of a policy instituted in April 2025, when the council’s house letting policy was suspended.
The decision was made in an effort to combat the homelessness crisis, prioritising temporary housing for all people assessed as legally homeless and reducing the number of people staying in unsuitable accommodation.
Once asylum seekers have been granted leave to remain, their financial and accommodation support from the Home Office stops.
Due to housing support being removed, these people are legally able to register as homeless.
These individuals become eligible for mainstream public funds, housing support and also have the right to work.
Edinburgh Council confirmed that once granted indefinite leave to remain, an individual is “afforded the same process, support and respect as every other applicant”.
The local authority further adds “it is entirely false to say people in this position have been prioritised for housing”.
Following a meeting on August 25, the council revealed that the policy suspension has supported 1,224 homeless households through temporary or settled accommodation.
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