Migration Overloading UK Services

It has been revealed that almost every UK region has difficulties in housing, health, education and crime because of increased migration.

The findings are contained in a report drawn up to advise ministers on the social impact of immigration.

The Home Office's Migration Impacts Forum is meeting to discuss the effect of eastern European workers.

In a first review of the regional picture, the forum received anecdotal reports of pressures across five key areas: crime and disorder, community cohesion, health, education and housing.

The reports were compiled by regional groups including police, health and education officials. Five out of eight regions told Whitehall they had seen "difficulties" relating to crime and education.

Six of the eight said they were concerned about health service issues.

Seven regions raised the issue of housing - although concerns appear to be focused on exploitation of migrants rather than pressure on accommodation.

All the regions asked for more information on movements of people, including those with children, so they could better plan public services.

The government's Office for National Statistics has already said it is reviewing how it counts migration.

There were also concerns in some areas about an increase in low-level crimes such as driving offences, anti-social behaviour and community tensions.

Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said it was important to "strike a new balance" in immigration policy.

"That means looking at the wider benefits to the British economy on the one hand, but it means we have to take into account the wider impact on British public services and life as well.

"We need to weigh both things up before we take big decisions on immigration including whether to keep restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian workers."