Second Herefordshire hotel to house asylum seekers from tomorrow
Support and security on 24-seven basis at the hotel is being funded by the Home Office - and more hotels could be taken over.
Last updated 7th Aug 2023
The Government has confirmed that it will use Leominster’s Talbot Hotel to house asylum seekers from this week - and more hotels could be taken over.
Herefordshire Council said it had been informed by the Home Office that the disused hotel’s use as “contingency accommodation for people awaiting the outcome of their asylum applications” will begin tomorrow (August 8).
The Home Office has admitted the system is currently under “incredible strain” with a record number of arrivals, but it is not yet clear when asylum seekers will actually arrive.
“Just as with the existing accommodation at the Three Counties Hotel, Hereford, this is a private arrangement between the Home Office and the hotel, which is closed to the public,” the council said in a statement.
“The council was not involved in this arrangement and will not be involved in running the site or providing day-to-day support, all of which will be managed by the Home Office’s contractor, Serco.”
Support and security on 24-seven basis at the hotel is being funded by the Home Office, which isn't ruling out using more hotels in the county.
According to Herefordshire Council, it is "likely that the Home Office will actively consider other hotels in Herefordshire which they feel are appropriate for this use".
The council will however work with Serco and community and voluntary groups to support the placements, “and to respond to any matters raised by businesses and residents”.
“We continue to see the generous support extended to Ukrainian refugees and the compassion shown by local communities to those in need, and it is hoped that asylum seekers coming to Herefordshire will receive the same warm welcome,” the council said.
Earlier this year, Herefordshire Council said the Home Office didn’t have plans to take over any other hotels in the county after the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford.
The Home Office declined to comment on the apparent u-turn.
Leominster's Conservative MP Sir Bill Wiggin told of his concerns about the move when it was first announced.
“I have also spoken to the Minister for Immigration and the council to voice my strong concerns," he said.
"I am not confident that Leominster has the infrastructure or the sort of accommodation that we would need and expect for housing asylum seekers.
"Leominster does not have the social service provision and quality of infrastructure that can be found in larger cities.
“Whatever you feel about these people, we need to make sure that the Home Office do not make matters worse in our communities."
Herefordshire Council said it had told the Home Office it is “very aware” of the pressure on the system of asylum seekers and outlining the county’s “significant track record in recent years” of playing its part in government migration schemes.