October 17, 2007 guardian
Many UK regions have reported concerns about the impact of immigration on housing, crime and health, according to a study on migrants from eastern Europe.
Feedback from the Government's regional co-ordination groups, to be presented to the Migration Impact Forum (MIF) in Whitehall, said migrants are putting pressure on the housing market and driving up rents, creating increased demand on GPs and contributing to tensions in the community ...
And there are also concerns about an increase in low-level crimes such as driving offences and anti-social behaviour and community tensions in the North West, South West and Scotland ...
It will reach a view on the impact on Britain of Romania and Bulgaria joining the EU at the start of this year, he added.
Cabinet will then decide by the end of the year whether to lift visa restrictions imposed on the two countries.
