eery london
A family of Somali refugees are living in a £2.2m mansion which is thought to be one of Britain's most expensive council houses.


Muriidi Abati, 57 who earns £7 an hour and his wife Marhan Mohamed, 44, have lived in the Georgian townhouse with their 7 children for 15 years. They are paying only £90pw to Islington Council.

Critics have said it was "ridiculous," refugees given "a home for millionaires" while many others live in squalor.

Refugees can qualify as a priority for housing if local a council deems them "vulnerable," although this is not listed as a "special reason" category.

A neighbour (asked not to be named) of the Abati family, said he was also a council tenant and his home was worth up to £3m.

John Bickley, United Kingdom Independence Party immigration spokesman said: "Councils have a duty to optimise tax-payers money, and these properties should be sold and the returns invested in affordable social housing that benefits a larger number of residents."