Government to shut 11 asylum hotels amid local frustration over management
The government has announced plans to close 11 asylum hotels by the end of this parliament. This move follows growing concerns from residents about how these sites are managed rather than the asylum seekers themselves. Focus groups across six areas explored local opinions on the issue. Researchers held discussions in Liverpool, Plymouth, Hillingdon, Derby, Tamworth, and Wakefield to gauge public sentiment. Many participants criticised the lack of information about hotel use, their duration, and possible alternatives. Lucy Mort of IPPR noted that frustrations centred on the handling of asylum accommodation, not the individuals housed there.
Residents often felt sidelined in decisions about local hotels being repurposed. In Wakefield, one person described a former asylum hotel as a lost community asset. Another in Tamworth linked tensions to the hotel’s location. Mark, a 64-year-old from Hillingdon, urged the government to improve transparency in its decision-making.
Concerns also tied into broader local issues. Housing shortages, crime, and the decline of high streets were frequently mentioned as factors shaping residents’ views. The closure of 11 asylum hotels marks a step towards ending their use. Local frustrations stem from feeling left out of decisions and unclear communication. The government’s plan aims to address these issues while reducing reliance on temporary accommodation.
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