Council pulling evidence together to close asylum hotels
22/08/2025
“The thought of this being next to us is terrifying”
Following the High Court decision earlier this week forcing the government to remove asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel in Epping, West Northamptonshire Council has confirmed action is underway to take similar legal and planning steps in their area.
In a statement issued yesterday council leader Mark Arnull said: “We have started collating the evidence we need to prepare a robust case against the use of these hotels for asylum accommodation. We know residents are concerned by the use of these hotels as asylum accommodation and we will do everything we can within our powers to keep our communities safe.
“The Epping Forest case opens a new legal pathway for us to explore. But it would be irresponsible of us to start a legal action, such as seeking an injunction, without knowing we have the evidence we need for a successful outcome to the case. This type of action is costly and we must be absolutely clear on the consequences for our taxpayers on any potential decision we make.”
Earlier today the government announced it is set to appeal the High Court decision.
A senior Home Office source told the BBC it was a matter of “democracy” and that the judiciary should not be able to tell the government where it can and can’t place asylum seekers.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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