Agents invited to join controversial government migrants scheme 

A controversial government-backed scheme invites letting agents, landlords, and property investors in parts of England to house migrants in private rental properties. Serco, a contractor for the Home Office, oversees the initiative and manages accommodations for over 30,000 asylum seekers. They seek various property types, including HMOs, former care homes, and student housing.

This comes amid concerns over the Renters Rights Bill, which some believe is reducing rental stock. The scheme is cost-efficient, with private rental housing for migrants costing taxpayers significantly less than hotels. The number of migrants arriving by small boats is expected to increase with favorable weather.