By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent and Sophie BorlandAlmost 2,000 immigrants are being granted the right to live and work in Britain every day, official figures have disclosed.
More than 710,000 foreigners received National Insurance numbers last year, an increase of eight per cent from 2005-06, according to figures published yesterday.
The statistics also show that migrants make up 10 per cent of the workforce in some areas. Local authorities with particularly high numbers of registrations included Newham, in London, with over 16,000, Brent with 15,600, and Birmingham with 14,550.
The figures were obtained by the Conservatives, who last night said they showed the Government had lost control of the immigration system.
Chris Grayling, the shadow secretary for work and pensions, said: "It seems ministers have little idea of what's going on."
The Local Government Association (LGA) said the figures provided more evidence that central government funding for council services was not keeping pace with population changes.
Sir Simon Milton, the LGA's chairman, said: "The speed and scale of migration combined with the shortcomings of official population figures is placing pressure on funding for services like children's services and housing.
"This can even lead to unnecessary tension and conflict. Improving alternative sources of information such as GP registrations and National Insurance numbers as part of a new package of measurements would allow the Government to gain a much clearer picture of migrant movements.
"This would allow the right amount of money to get to the right places, ensuring decent public services for all."
Last week the LGA announced proposals that would see Tesco and other large supermarkets help to provide data on population growth in areas around their stores.
Retailers are highly efficient at recording the numbers of people coming through their doors and their information will be used help local councils compile figures.
The LGA is also looking at using GP registrations, schools census data and National Insurance numbers to provide more accurate population estimates.
The proposals come amid growing concerns that migrants are placing a strain on hospitals, schools and workplaces.
Some MPs in areas where immigrant numbers have risen in recent years, particularly from eastern Europe, complain that services are near breaking point.
Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, announced plans last month for foreigners to pay an "immigrant tax" to help fund the schools and hospitals they use.