Rats plague Hull home as residents grapple with homelessness

The council’s pest control officer has arrived at James and Oscar’s home residence, laying more poison to combat the persistent rat problem. James recounts a terrifying incident where a rat bit his nose at 3 am. This has become a regular ordeal for the pair. A nearby building is marked with graffiti reading “rat city,” highlighting the severity of the issue.

Oscar explains that a fire in a neighbouring building drove the rats into their drains. Their overgrown garden has become a haven for the rodents, much to their frustration. James and Oscar, friends and neighbours, invited us to discuss the riots that shook the UK in early August, including their city, Hull.

The two witnessed the fringes of the riots but were not directly involved. James attributes the unrest to the UK’s failed immigration policies. He criticises Keir Starmer’s description of the riots as “far-right thuggery,” suggesting it missed the underlying issues. James empathises with the struggles of homeless English-born individuals, questioning the focus on solving migrants’ problems while neglecting those living on the streets.

Both men are unemployed due to health issues and spend their days watching YouTube channels about Britain’s immigration challenges. They express strong anger towards immigration, blaming the government for the situation. Oscar resents asylum seekers being housed in hotels during the processing of their claims. He believes this takes away essential services like hospitals and housing from locals.

On 3 August, they observed rioters surrounding a hotel near Hull station, home to many young men awaiting asylum decisions. James acknowledges the racism displayed that day but sympathises with genuine asylum seekers, recognising their traumatic experiences. However, he highlights the frustration of seeing local homelessness ignored.

Oscar introduces us to Donna, a former business owner now homeless after losing her daughter and partner. For over two years, she has sought shelter under a road bridge, hiding in the dark to avoid attacks. Donna criticises the government’s approach, feeling it prioritises asylum seekers over local homeless issues.

Danny and Lisa from Adapt Resettlement, a community interest company on Anlaby Road, work daily to find housing for the homeless. Danny, having experienced homelessness and served time for violent offences, understands the daily battles faced by those on the streets. He argues that while asylum seekers flee wars, locals fight a daily war for survival.

Danny believes not everyone involved in the riots was motivated by racism; some were driven by desperation due to homelessness. He assigns blame to politicians, suggesting the government’s failure to address these issues led to the riots. Danny calls for equal opportunities for both locals and asylum seekers to prevent future unrest.

We accompany Danny on his final home visit of the day and meet Carl, who is working to stabilise his life with the project’s support. Carl expresses frustration with the lack of response to their pleas for help, attributing the tension and aggression to the neglect they face.

The police and courts have taken a strong stance against those involved in the 3 August riots. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the violence and affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling serious violence. Despite this, the underlying anger and resentment persist, indicating deep-rooted issues that fueled the riots.