Erewash Borough Council has rejected a motion calling for clarity on the future use of an asylum hotel in the borough, following a debate at a Full Council meeting.
The motion, debated on Thursday 22 January, asked the council to write to the borough’s MP requesting a clear and public timeline from the Home Office for when the Best Western hotel currently used to house asylum seekers would no longer be used for that purpose.
It also sought confirmation that the council would only meet its minimum legal duties when housing people leaving the hotel.
What was proposed
The original motion called on the council to:
- Write to the MP for Erewash requesting a timeline from the Home Office for ending the use of the asylum hotel
- Confirm that the council would not go beyond its statutory duties when rehousing individuals leaving the hotel
During the meeting, an amendment was put forward and approved, which removed reference to restrictions on where people could be rehoused, leaving a narrower motion focused on statutory duties only.
Outcome of the vote
Despite the amendment being carried, the final, amended motion was ultimately rejected when put to a vote by councillors.
As a result:
- The council will not formally request a timeline from the Home Office on the future use of the hotel
- No new policy position was adopted on rehousing individuals leaving the accommodation
- Existing legal duties and arrangements remain unchanged
What this means for Ilkeston
The decision means there is no change to the current situation, and no new commitments have been made by the council regarding the length of time the hotel may continue to be used or how individuals are rehoused afterward.
Any decisions about the continued use of hotels for asylum accommodation remain the responsibility of the Home Office, rather than local councils.
Background
The use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers has been a contentious issue nationally and locally, with councils often having limited influence over Home Office decisions. While local authorities have responsibilities around housing and support once individuals receive status or leave accommodation, the initial placement of asylum seekers in hotels is determined centrally.
What happens next?
No further action was agreed by the council at the meeting. Any future changes to the use of the hotel or related rehousing arrangements would depend on national policy decisions or new motions brought forward at a later date.
👉 Do you think councils should have more say over asylum accommodation in their areas – or should decisions remain with central government?