Pod Save the UK Britain’s prison and asylum meltdown. Plus - the Renters’ Rights Act w/ Vicky Spratt
Oct 30, 2025
Vicky Spratt, a renowned housing and society journalist, joins the discussion to unpack the critical implications of the newly passed Renters' Rights Act. She reveals how the abolishment of Section 21 'no-fault evictions' empowers tenants. They explore challenges like housing affordability and the limits of landlords reclaiming properties. The segment also delves into the asylum system crises, with questions around housing proposals and costs for asylum seekers, highlighting the government's controversial strategies. This sharp dialogue emphasizes pressing issues in UK housing and social justice.
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Prison And Immigration System Failures
- The Kabartu accidental release exposes systemic failures across prisons and immigration systems.
- Charlie Taylor warns prisoner release mistakes are common and symptomatic of wider chaos in underfunded prisons.
Costly Privatization Of Asylum Accommodation
- MPs report billions wasted on asylum hotels and long-term contracts with private firms.
- Contracts with companies like Clearsprings and Serco saw costs triple and heavy profits while conditions worsened.
Military Bases Are Not A Magic Fix
- Housing asylum seekers on military bases repeats a criticised Conservative idea and risks inflaming local opposition.
- Zoe warns it could be more expensive, legally complex, and won't remove community tensions or far-right attacks.