Landlord offered seven-year contract to house illegal migrants: ‘I’d rather keep it empty!’

A landlord has been offered a seven-year contract to home illegal migrants in his three-bedroom townhouse, GB News can reveal.

Subcontractor Serco contacted Terry Batt asking for his Suffolk property at £750 a month.

But after he was told by an operator that it would hold asylum seekers he told them he wouldn’t give up the house for “three times” what he was offered.

Terry told GB News: “When I asked Serco who they intended to occupy the house they were very vague.

“So I pressed for an answer, then they confessed they are, ‘Looking for nice homes for illegal migrants,’ and would be willing to pay the Government rate of £750 a month.

“We immediately turned down their offer saying they could offer twice the rent and we would still not sign as we would rather let this beautiful home remain empty than let illegal migrants live in luxury in it.

“So that was the end of the conversation.”

Terry added: “I don’t agree with what’s happening with the amount of illegal migrants who are coming to the country.”

An email seen by GB News revealed Serco would provide “day-to-day maintenance and repairs undertaken at no cost to the landlord”, monthly inspections and bills, including council tax, paid for.

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A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Government has always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being put on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country over recent years.

“We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options to reduce the unacceptable use of hotels and limit the burden on the taxpayer.”

A Serco spokesman said: “This was a lease that was potentially on offer to him.”