Asylum seekers will continue to be accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Essex following a recent legal dispute between the local council and the Government. Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) attempted to obtain a High Court injunction to prevent migrants from residing there, but the claim was dismissed by Mr. Justice Mould, who ruled that granting an injunction was not justified.
Keir Starmer has committed to closing all asylum hotels by 2029, but an immediate ban on asylum seekers at the Epping hotel was deemed a potential disruptor to the system. Concerns were raised by the Home Office about potential legal challenges from other councils if the ban was enforced.
The Bell Hotel attracted anti-immigration demonstrations over the summer after an asylum seeker accommodated there was involved in a criminal case. Legal action was taken by EFDC against the hotel owner, Somani Hotels, alleging a breach of planning regulations by hosting asylum seekers, leading to frequent protests.
In August, an interim injunction was granted by a High Court judge to halt the housing of 138 asylum seekers at the hotel beyond September 12. However, this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal later the same month, citing serious flaws in the initial ruling.
EFDC pursued a permanent injunction through a three-day hearing, but Mr. Justice Mould concluded that while the use of the Bell for asylum accommodation required planning permission, issuing an injunction was not the appropriate response as the breach was not severe.
Following the judgment, Steve Smith from refugee charity Care4Calais emphasized the need to consider the well-being of asylum seekers affected by the legal battle, highlighting instances of racism and threats they faced. The Home Office expressed determination to close asylum hotels and relocate asylum seekers to more suitable facilities like military bases to alleviate pressure on communities.
The ruling allows for a planned transition to new accommodations, supporting the government’s efforts to address the issue of asylum hotels effectively.