Rotten Boroughs : Camden

A family of asylum seekers on “every kind of benefit available” have been granted a move to a £2million London mansion that rents out at £8,000 a month just to be nearer their friends.

Jobless Somali Saeed Khaliif, 49, and wife Sayida use benefits to pay the rent on the six-bedroom home in West Hampstead, north London. It was claimed the family moved from Coventry to be closer to friends and relatives in London. While it is not known exactly how many children the Khaliifs have, up to eight youngsters have been seen at the house, including two in wheelchairs.

The house was on the market for £2million. It has six bedrooms, three bathrooms and three receptions. It was recently advertised locally at a rent of £1,500 per week.

Apparently, neither Khalif nor his wife have worked since moving their family to this country three years ago. He commented "This is my house. We have every right to live here."

The Department for Work and Pensions refused to comment other than to be quick to point out that housing benefit is administered by local councils. Camden council avoided commenting by hiding behind data protection rules.

( You can read mre about this story in the Daily Express by clicking here )