Kibworth Asylum Housing Plan Dropped

Plans to use a property in Kibworth to house asylum seekers have been scrapped following concerns from residents and Harborough’s MP.

Neil O’Brien said he had been pressing for clarity after learning that homes in Kibworth and Great Glen were being considered as part of the government’s accommodation plans.

The proposals were linked to the Asylum Seeker Dispersal Programme, managed by outsourcing firm Serco, which aims to move people out of hotels and into residential housing.

However, more than 1,600 people signed a petition opposing the idea, with critics arguing the village is too remote and lacks the services needed to support the move.

Serco has confirmed the Kibworth property will now not be progressed.

Neil said: “That is welcome news and reflects the strength of local concern that was raised. I want to thank everyone who contacted me and signed the petition. It shows that when communities speak up, they can make a difference.”

Another property in Great Glen is still under consideration for the scheme.

“This is a partial victory, but the situation in Great Glen remains ongoing. I will continue pressing for full transparency and proper engagement with local residents before any decisions are made.”