Which Councils Are Housing Asylum Seekers in Hotels Under Labour?

More than half of the councils housing asylum seekers in hotels are controlled by Labour, according to recent data analysis. This situation has led to legal actions by Conservative councils aiming to halt the accommodation of asylum seekers, raising questions about the government's ability to meet its legal obligations. The ongoing developments highlight a complex landscape of local governance and national immigration policy.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Over 50% of councils housing asylum seekers in hotels are Labour-controlled.
• The Conservative-led Epping Forest District Council has secured a temporary injunction against housing asylum seekers in a local hotel.
• Hillingdon, a Tory-controlled area, houses the highest number of asylum seekers in contingency accommodation.
• Legal actions may escalate as more councils consider following Epping's lead.
• Government figures show an overall rise in asylum seekers housed in hotels, with 32,059 currently reported.

Understanding the Context of Asylum Housing in the UK

The issue of housing asylum seekers, particularly in hotels, remains a significant point of contention in UK politics. Recent figures from the Home Office highlight that 131 local authorities are using contingency accommodation, primarily hotels, to house asylum seekers. A breakdown of these councils shows that 74 are fully or partially controlled by Labour, while Conservative councils have also been vocal about their opposition to the current arrangements.

The Legal Battle Over Asylum Accommodation

On Tuesday, the Conservative-controlled Epping Forest District Council achieved a temporary injunction to prevent 140 asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping. This ruling marks a pivotal moment, potentially hindering the government's legal duty to accommodate asylum seekers. Following Epping's lead, other Tory councils such as Broxbourne and Reigate and Banstead are also contemplating legal actions to challenge hotel accommodations.

The Numbers Behind the Asylum Seekers

As of the latest release from the Home Office, the total number of asylum seekers being accommodated in UK hotels has risen to 32,059. This figure represents an 8% increase over the past year, although it is down from the peak of 56,042 recorded in September 2023. The data shows that while the total number has increased, there was a slight decrease compared to the previous quarter, indicating fluctuations in asylum seeker management.

Which Councils Are Most Affected?

Among the councils housing asylum seekers, Hillingdon holds the highest number, with 2,238 individuals residing in hotels as contingency accommodation. This figure accounts for approximately 0.7% of Hillingdon's total population. Interestingly, this number represents a decline of 443 from the end of March to the end of June 2023. Hounslow, another Labour-controlled area, follows with 1,536 asylum seekers.

In terms of increases, Manchester City Council has seen significant growth in its asylum seeker population, rising from 874 to 1,158, highlighting the pressure on local resources and services.

The Political Landscape and Implications

The political implications of these numbers are profound. Councils, particularly lower-tier district or borough councils, possess the authority to deny planning applications for hotels being used to house asylum seekers. This has prompted some councils to consider legal action, mirroring the recent success of Epping Forest District Council. In contrast, county councils, predominantly controlled by Conservative or Reform UK parties, lack such planning powers.

Reform UK's Position and Future Actions

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has publicly supported legal actions against hotels housing asylum seekers, asserting that all 12 councils under his party's control will pursue similar measures. However, spokespeople from the party have acknowledged that only a minority of these councils have the necessary planning authority to instigate such actions effectively.

Government Response to the Crisis

In response to the ongoing controversy, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pointed to the challenges inherited from previous administrations. She stated that the current Labour government is taking substantial steps to rectify the situation, including increasing returns of failed asylum seekers by over 30% and reducing the backlog of cases by 18%. These measures aim to restore order to a system described as chaotic.

Opposition Criticism of Government Policies

Critics have not shied away from holding the government accountable. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp has urged the use of former military sites or barges for asylum accommodation, arguing that hotels are not a sustainable solution. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart has accused the Conservatives of failing to manage the immigration system, stating that current policies have led to an increase in asylum seekers and an inability to process claims efficiently.

Public Sentiment and Protests

Public sentiment around the housing of asylum seekers has been tense, especially following incidents that have raised safety concerns. Protests erupted near the Bell Hotel after an asylum seeker was charged with a serious crime, further complicating the narrative surrounding asylum accommodation. Councils like Epping have argued that their legal actions are not just about planning laws but also public safety.

The Future of Asylum Accommodation in the UK

The future of asylum accommodation in the UK remains uncertain as local councils grapple with increasing pressures and legal challenges. The recent legal success of Epping Forest may spark a wave of similar actions across the country, potentially reshaping how asylum seekers are housed. As this situation develops, the balance between local governance, public safety, and the legal rights of asylum seekers will take centre stage.

FAQs

What is contingency accommodation for asylum seekers?

Contingency accommodation refers to temporary housing arrangements, often in hotels, used to accommodate asylum seekers when permanent housing is unavailable. This type of accommodation is intended to provide immediate shelter while longer-term solutions are sought.

Which councils currently house the most asylum seekers?

As of the latest figures, Hillingdon holds the highest number of asylum seekers in contingency accommodation, followed by Hounslow and Manchester City Council, which has recently seen a significant increase in numbers.

What legal actions are councils considering regarding asylum accommodation?

Several councils, particularly Conservative-led ones, are contemplating legal actions similar to Epping Forest District Council's recent success. These actions aim to challenge the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers based on planning and public safety concerns.

How has the number of asylum seekers in the UK changed recently?

The number of asylum seekers in UK hotels has risen to 32,059, representing an 8% increase over the past year. However, this figure is down from the peak of 56,042 recorded in September 2023.

What measures is the government taking to address the asylum crisis?

The government, under Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, is implementing measures to increase the return of failed asylum seekers, reduce case backlogs, and consider alternatives to hotel accommodations in an effort to restore order to the asylum system.

The ongoing situation surrounding asylum seekers in the UK raises critical questions about public safety, legal governance, and humanitarian responsibilities. As councils navigate these challenges, the outcomes will have lasting implications for both asylum seekers and local communities. #AsylumSeekers #UKPolitics #LocalGovernance