HILLINGDON Council is calling on the Government to consider extra help for boroughs with higher numbers of asylum seekers.

As it encompasses Heathrow, Hillingdon has received a higher number of seekers as more and more people flee global conflicts.

However, the current funding package leaves boroughs like Hillingdon and neighbouring Hounslow with the difficult task of supporting their residents while finding the cash to assist those seeking asylum.

The borough received positive news this week when Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP Steve Tuckwell, who is also a Hillingdon councillor asked Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick in Parliament if more help would be on its way.

Mr Jenrick acknowledged the borough’s situation was more acute than most and admitted it ‘does need support’. He said he’d be happy to work with Cllr Tuckwell on a resolution.

Cllr Ian Edwards, leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “This borough has a proud history of welcoming people, reflected in its rich diversity of cultures and ethnicities.

“Our strong sense of community is why people settle here and stay. Those escaping some of the most hostile places in the world should rightly look for sanctuary in a borough of safety, tolerance and compassion, where we can provide them with the support they need.

“We’ve been working hard to support those asylum seekers who have presented in Hillingdon, but our intrinsic link to Heathrow means we have a disproportionate number when compared to other boroughs.

“This brings with it greater responsibility and, more concerningly, puts a greater strain on funding at a time when all local authorities are facing acute and unprecedented budget pressures.

“We’d like a more formal response from the Government that it acknowledges the disproportionate pressure boroughs like Hounslow and our own are under and offering a comprehensive support package.”