When Sara Ahmed, asylum seeker received a six‑day notice to vacate her flat in Splott, Cardiff, the family of four was thrust into a scramble that feels more like a plot twist than everyday news. The notice – delivered on 4 October 2025 – came from Clearsprings Ready Homes Ltd, a private firm that contracts with the Home Office to manage asylum‑seeker accommodation across the UK. Sara’s three children now face changing schools again, while the broader community watches a contractor with a track record of controversy repeat history.
Background: A Contractor With a Troubled Past
Clearsprings isn’t a new name in the headlines. The firm’s parent company, Ready Homes, ran the infamous Penally Barracks near Tenby until the site was shut down in March 2021 after tenants exposed filth‑filled dormitories, leaking toilets and a wave of far‑right harassment. A tenant‑led union succeeded in forcing the closure, but the damage to the company’s reputation lingered.
After Penally, Clearsprings shifted focus to other sites – most notably the Napier Barracks in Kent, a former military facility deemed unsuitable for civilian housing back in 2014. Images from a March 2021 inspection by the UK immigration and prisons watchdog showed makeshift screens between beds, mold‑stained walls and an isolation block described as “unfit for habitation.”
The firm’s financials are staggering: a ten‑year agreement with the Home Office is slated to bring in roughly £1 billion, paid in regular installments. In practice, Clearsprings receives lump‑sum payments from the Home Office and then outsources day‑to‑day management – including renting rooms from private landlords – to keep the operation running.
The Immediate Eviction Crisis
On the morning of 4 October, a representative from Clearsprings knocked on Sara’s door with a thin‑lined letter stating that the tenancy would end at midnight on 10 October. The letter offered no alternative accommodation and no explanation beyond “operational requirements.” The family, who had just settled into a local primary school and begun forming friendships in the Splott community, now faces the logistical nightmare of finding a new home, re‑registering for school and dealing with the emotional toll of uprooting.
Accompanying Sara in the fight is the migrant‑rights union Acorn. Their spokesperson, Dan Edwards, told reporters, “The fact that any member of our community, let alone someone in a vulnerable position, could be asked to uproot their whole life in just six days is extremely concerning. The treatment of Sara by Clearsprings Ready Homes Ltd is nothing short of disgraceful.”
Acorn has organized a demonstration outside the Home Office building in central Cardiff for Wednesday, 9 October. The protest, marked as Cardiff Home Office protestCardiff, aims to pressure both the contractor and the government to halt the eviction and review the policy that has led to a surge in short‑notice notices.
Policy Shift: From Leniency to Strict Six‑Day Rules
Since August 2023 the Home Office has tightened its interpretation of Section 95 support. Previously, refugees who received a grant could stay in temporary accommodation for up to 28 days (or 21 days if their claim was refused). The new guidance effectively forces a minimum of seven days’ notice – and in practice landlords have been delivering as little as four days. Officials argue the change speeds up the transition to independent housing, but critics say it creates a wave of instability for families already dealing with trauma.
Data from the Refugee Council shows a 42 % rise in eviction notices to families with refugee status between August 2023 and September 2025. Of those, over half were issued by Clearsprings or its subcontractors.
Reactions From the Community and Officials
Local councillor Helen Griffiths (Cardiff Central) visited Sara’s flat on 5 October and described the situation as “a clear breach of the duty of care owed to vulnerable asylum seekers.” She wrote to the Home Office demanding an urgent review of the eviction policy and a halt to any further notices issued by Clearsprings.
The Home Office, represented by a spokesperson who declined to be named, said, “We are committed to ensuring that all asylum‑seeker accommodation meets safety standards and that any relocation is handled in line with legal requirements.” No further comment was provided on the specific case.
Human‑rights charity Freedom from Torture released a statement calling the eviction “a stark reminder that profit‑driven housing contracts can undermine the dignity and stability of people fleeing conflict.” The group is preparing legal support for Sara and others facing similar short‑notice evictions.
Legal Angles and Potential Remedies
Under the UK’s Human Rights Act, forced evictions without suitable alternative housing can be challenged as a breach of the right to private and family life (Article 8). Lawyers from the law firm Barlow & Lowe have hinted they may file a judicial review against Clearsprings, arguing that the six‑day notice violates both domestic housing law and the UK's obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
In parallel, the charity Acas is mediating between the landlord and tenants to explore possible extensions or temporary housing solutions. So far, Clearsprings has not responded to the mediation request.
What Happens Next?
With the demonstration set for Wednesday, the eyes of the refugee‑rights community will be on Cardiff. If pressure mounts, the Home Office could be forced to issue a temporary reprieve, giving Sara and other families a longer window to secure new homes. However, the broader trend of rapid evictions suggests that without policy reform, many more families could face similar dilemmas.
For Sara, each day is a race against a ticking clock. “We just want stability for our children,” she told a reporter on 6 October, “and the chance to stay in a school that’s already getting to know us.” The outcome of her case may set a precedent for how the UK balances cost‑saving contracts with the human cost of forced relocation.
Key Facts
- Six‑day eviction notice delivered to Sara Ahmed on 4 Oct 2025.
- Landlord: Clearsprings Ready Homes Ltd, holder of a £1 billion 10‑year Home Office contract.
- Previous controversies include Penally Barracks (closed 2021) and Napier Barracks (Kent).
- Home Office policy tightened in Aug 2023, reducing notice periods to a minimum of seven days.
- Demonstration planned for 9 Oct 2025 outside the Home Office in Cardiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this eviction affect Sara’s children’s education?
The six‑day notice forces the family to leave Splott, meaning the children must switch schools mid‑year. Changing schools can disrupt learning, affect social ties and require new enrolment paperwork – a heavy burden for children already dealing with the stress of displacement.
What legal rights do asylum‑seekers have against short‑notice evictions?
Under the Human Rights Act, forced evictions without suitable alternatives can breach Article 8 (right to private and family life). Courts have previously granted injunctions when eviction timelines were deemed unreasonable, especially for vulnerable families.
Why has the Home Office tightened eviction notice periods?
Officials argue the change speeds up the transition from temporary to independent housing, aiming to reduce long‑term reliance on government‑funded accommodation. Critics say the policy sacrifices stability for speed, particularly harming families who need more time to arrange housing.
What is the role of Acorn in this dispute?
Acorn, a migrant‑rights union, provides advocacy, legal advice and organizes protests. Its spokesperson, Dan Edwards, is leading calls for a halt to the eviction and for broader policy reforms.
Will the Home Office intervene in Sara’s case?
The Home Office has so far issued a generic statement about safety standards but has not pledged direct intervention. Increased public pressure from the upcoming protest could prompt a review, but any official action remains uncertain.
