Government could pay higher rents to spread asylum accommodation across UK

Officials believe it may be necessary to raise the strict caps on how much the Home Office can pay landlords in rent. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

Ministers are considering paying higher prices for housing asylum seekers in private rental properties as part of Andy Burnham’s plan to spread accommodation more evenly across the country.

Using more private rental accommodation, known as “dispersal”, as well as former military barracks, is cheaper than expensive hotels for asylum seekers.