Empty homes spark Home Office row

Manchester Council and the Home Office are in disagreement over
properties reserved for asylum seekers that are lying empty.

The council says it accepted a Home Office suggestion that it use
the properties for a different client group in September 2004, but
has heard nothing since despite making several inquiries.

But the Home Office says it failed to reach agreement with the
council over how the properties should be used, although it
“remains interested” in talking to Manchester.

The council said it wanted to use up to 25 properties for other
groups.