Labour is under fire for refusing to explain how nearly £122 million has been shared out to local councils to cover the costs of asylum accommodation, with Conservatives accusing ministers of trying to “bury the truth”.

Critics say the lack of transparency is unacceptable at a time when council budgets are under huge strain and families are paying more in council tax. New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is being pressed to publish the full details amid warnings that councils are being short-changed.

Shadow communities minister David Simmonds raised concerns in a letter to Mahmood, saying: “This lack of transparency is deeply concerning. Local authorities are facing acute financial pressures as a direct result of asylum accommodation costs, while illegal migration across the Channel contin

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