YOUR headline “Poorest areas bear asylum burden” (Apr 12) frames asylum seekers as a “problem” in a way which may actually fuel the misplaced sense of resentment mentioned in your article.

The real problem here is how central governments, over three decades, have increasingly relied upon (and failed to acknowledge the limitations of) neoliberal market-based solutions to address complex social issues.

All people living in poverty within disadvantaged areas are being let down by this approach and any sense of resentment should be targeted at those in power taking this approach while shutting down discussion of alternatives.

Donald Simpson, Newton Aycliffe