Perth and Kinross Council slams 'absurd' misinformation over asylum seeker hotels

Perth and Kinross Council has slammed “absurd” misinformation on social media, which claimed more asylum seekers would be housed in the local authority.

The council said disinformation was being spread online that more hotels and other vacant buildings were going to be used as accommodation for asylum seekers.

Council bosses added that claims the Kingdom Housing Association flats in Fairfield were to be used as accommodation were “completely untrue”.

They said the flats are currently being refurbished and won’t be available to rent until July next year.

Two hotels in Perth are currently being used to house asylum seekers.

The council says it has had no indication from the Home Office that more accommodation will be used in the area to house asylum seekers.

A statement read: “Please always remember to think twice before you share posts on social media to avoid spreading misinformation.

“Check where the information has come and to see if there is official confirmation available elsewhere before you share.

“To reiterate, the current procedures with the Home Office is that the council will be informed of any new property being used to house asylum seekers in Perth and Kinross.

“That’s whether it’s group accommodation like a hotel or individual private flats/houses.

“There is no change to the situation in Perth. Two hotels are being used for this purpose and we have had no information or indication the Home Office looking for any other accommodation to house multiple asylum seekers in the area.”