Living next to asylum seeker HMO, ask me anything

But she started the thread last night and responded over 30 times with in depth answers. That's not the typical behaviour of an engagement farming poster. Perhaps she hasn't been back today because she works for a living? In a job where she can't sit at home spending all day refreshing her Mumsnet feed? I know that's a strange and outdated concept for some, but it's quite likely to be the case, even in 2026.

So if a family is here with children and are in limbo waiting for an asylum case to be heard and processed, or waiting for an appeal or whatever, what do they live on and where do they live?

I am not naive enough to think it's that simple. Chat GPT almost never gives a definitive answer to anything. It tells you on the balance of probability, based on what it DOES know, whether something is likely or plausible, that's all.

You seem determined to prove that this letter is not likely or plausible though. What makes you better qualified than Chat GPT on this matter? Do you work for the Home Office in the specific areas of either asylum or illegal immigration?

If so then I'm sure we are all happy to defer to your in-depth knowledge of the system.

ONE?

The word FAMILIES (which I used) is plural and means multiple or more than one.

What is your policy on reporting fraudulent claims?

Do you use it?

You seem to have so much great evidence of the legal system being applied incorrectly …

These are the facts about what asylum seekers can get, until they have been given right to remain (if they have).

https://www.gov.uk/asylum-support/what-youll-get

I believe they acknowledged it was an issue and were working to eliminate it. The Deliveroo licence holder will be legitimate; someone with the right to work and ID. They then sublet the equipment, etc to the people who do the work and take a proportion of what they make from them (they control the finances). It's a form of modern slavery and the people who do the work may be getting some money from it, but it's not actually helping them establish themselves here and it feeds into the black economy.

So ask Chat GPT to give an example letter…and BINGO…

But so much information from the asylum seekers themselves…the same men that she is scared of, that are causing issues …and not all of the information true or accurate. ….

She hasn’t returned today.

I've just asked Chat GPT if they think the OP's anecdotal account of the letter she says she found is plausible and likely to be genuine based on her (non-verbatim) recollection of what the letter said. It has responded with a strong yes, very likely to be genuine and plausible. Anyone is free to do the same thing if they don't believe me. Apparently the Home Office do send letters like this in advance of potential deportation orders.

Many MumsNetters as well as press and Members of Parliament would like to know where in the UK staff in your office are approving Universal Credit for both asylum seekers - you seem insistent that these are people with claims in process, not refugees - and people on visas with No Recourse to Public Funds.

I think the law is too harsh, but it is the law. If you are sure of your facts why not provide some evidence? Otherwise the claim does not sound credible, as the people doing this are risking prison.

I'm sure there is someone on MN who works for the home office who is able to verify whether this sort of letter is very likely or not?

I do actually. I don't believe half the threads on here are genuine these days, but I do believe this one. Most engagement farmers don't stick around and engage as much as the OP and their replies tend to be a bit vague and non-specific. She is very detailed in answer to questions and it does seem to add up.

OP! Do you report illegal activity?

Delieveroo etc should be thoroughly investigated, Employing people without the legal right to work is punishable by fines of I think £10k per person, and everyone knows they are doing it so why is not cracked down on?

Brava. I would add that in my area charities also fund English classes for asylum seekers and refugees.

Thank you for the very interesting thread op 🙏🏻

My partner worked for DWP and always debunks this. Illegal immigrants cannot claim benefits and they cannot legitimately work here either as they do not have the right to work. Illegal immigrants on benefits is a myth. But like Trump "truths", if it's repeated enough times it becomes fact.

This is happening where I am , the terraced houses used to be bought by first time buyers and then when the market crashed BTL landlords swooped in and bulk bought houses turned them into HMOs (many unoffical, think 10 people crammed into a two up two down). Despite it being a selective licensing area the council do nothing about it, they just pocket the fees. We also have around 50% of the countywide homelessness charity's supported accommodation, so the whole area is bascially a dumping ground. lots of poverty, crime, rubbish, street drinking and anti social behaviour

Oh for heavens sake! Immigration is destroying many communities here. One Syrian family does not make up the whole of the asylum system.

Whoever they were, they weren't British.

They can also think you "aren't that clever" and "make yourself look stupid" by your over dramatic ideological reaction to them summarising their disagreement in this well understood shorthand manner.

Do you work in the system? I hope not!

Government documents prove that you don’t know what you are doing and are not following legal requirements or you are confusing asylum seekers with refugees.

Very different status.

Exactly, these are not funded by any one government, they are funded whether Conservatives or Labour are in power.

Or maybe you are conflating asylum seekers with refugees (as do many)? Asylum seekers are not recourse to UC or other 'traditional' benefits. Where are you seeing all of these people that gives you insight into their immigration and financial status?

I am sorry if I am calling you a liar but the British Army were definitely there when I was there 1985 to 1988. Not quite as old as General Gordon but certainly one of the boats he used was still rotting in the Nile while we were there. They had been there since before we were and after we left. My husband worked for British Overseas Aid and I worked for the EEC. Why do you think you are so correct and not spouting arrant nonsense yourself.