Last asylum seekers have now left hotel
20/02/2026
Those waiting for claims to be processed have been dispersed into other accommodation
The Banbury House Hotel is no longer being used for asylum seeker accommodation. The last people staying at the property have now been relocated with the official end date of its usage this Wednesday.
The move marks part of the Government’s sustainable national hotel exit plan, transitioning away from costly hotel accommodation.
Families and asylum seekers still waiting for claims to be processed have been dispersed into accommodation which is cheaper to the taxpayer and more manageable for communities. This includes dispersed accommodation and alternative contingency or large site accommodation.
Its understood those asylum seekers whose personal circumstance necessitated accommodation in a particular location had their requests considered in accordance with existing published policies.
Banbury’s MP, Sean Woodcock MP, said: “I am pleased that the Banbury House Hotel has stopped hosting asylum seekers as of this week, as the Government’s commitments to reduce the costs of accommodation for asylum seekers is being seen in our local area.
“Whilst asylum claims are being processed, there is a legal duty to provide suitable accommodation if individuals would otherwise be left without somewhere to live, and it is right that this has continued.
“I am proud that the UK has been a place of safety for people fleeing war and persecution. However, the placing of claimants in hotels has a number of issues. They’re not suitable for claimants as long term accommodation, and it causes a significant strain on the public finances.
“Reducing the burden on taxpayers in our community by relocating individuals and families to cheaper alternative accommodation marks a positive step forward in ending the excessive asylum spending and major strain in the system left behind by the previous government.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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