 An inquiry found many of the properties were infested with insects |
The company which provided homes for asylum seekers in the North West has had its contract terminated. An inquiry found many of the properties run by Landmark Liverpool were damp, infested with insects and had poor electrical installations.
The Home Office minister, Beverley Hughes, made the announcement in the Commons on Thursday.
The company was warned it was at risk of losing its contract last year after inspections revealed poor standards.
Asylum seekers have since been moved to other properties in the region while their cases are being considered. The announcement has been welcomed by Liverpool City Council.
Ms Hughes said: "Asylum seekers must be treated reasonably while their claim to stay in the UK is being decided.
"We are very concerned about reports that Landmark Liverpool's properties fall short of our required standard and have been monitoring their performance closely since last year.
"We have informed Landmark that they have been in breach of our contract and have therefore terminated it.
"New regional offices, including one in the North West, will enable the National Asylum Support Service (Nass) to continue to build stronger relationships with local authorities and other organisations and therefore to have a much better understanding of the issues affecting local communities."
Councillor Flo Clucas, Liverpool City Council executive member for housing and neighbourhood services, said: "We welcome this move wholeheartedly.
"We have regularly expressed our concerns about the conditions of Landmark Liverpool properties.
"Now we want to work with Nass to see asylum seekers are housed in suitable accommodation. But we also want to ensure that the needs of the communities where asylum seekers move are also met."
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Asylum seekers must be treated reasonably while their claim to stay in the UK is being decided 
