Council Writes to Home Secretary Over HMO Licensing Timeline at Asylum Accommodation Property

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has written to the Home Secretary raising concerns about the licensing timeline for a property in Walderslade being used as asylum dispersal accommodation - part of the borough that straddles the council's boundary with Medway.

The council was notified in September 2025 of plans to use the Walderslade property for asylum dispersal accommodation, and advised that a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence would be required. In a letter signed by Council Leader Matt Boughton, Cabinet Member for Community Services Des Keers and Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy Robin Betts, the council states that it believes the property was occupied before a valid licence application could be assessed and before draft licence conditions had been issued. The letter, sent on 30 September 2026, also says contractual requirements relating to asylum accommodation may not have been followed, and calls on the Home Office to review the actions of accommodation provider Clearsprings Ready Homes.

Cabinet Member for Community Services Des Keers said: "Residents have raised significant concerns with the Council regarding this property and have sought answers about how the process has been managed. We believe it is important that the Home Office reviews this case and ensures that the requirements set out are followed consistently and transparently." He added that residents "at the very least expect accommodation of this type to meet all relevant standards and requirements before occupation takes place," which is why the council has asked the Home Office to investigate. Members have requested a response from the Home Secretary and say they will continue to represent residents on the matter.

This is a licensing and process dispute between the council and the Home Office/accommodation provider, not a council position on asylum policy itself. Source: Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council