Statement on the proposed accommodation of asylum seekers at the Royal Hotel, Kettering
Your council04 November 2022
A proposal to accommodate asylum seekers at the Royal Hotel in Kettering was brought to the council’s attention on 27 October 2022 and the council was provided with further details including a mobilisation date yesterday.
North Northamptonshire Council has made an application to the High Court for an interim injunction aimed at stopping the Home Office’s plans to use the Royal Hotel in Kettering to house asylum seekers.
The aim is to stop the proposal and allow time to assess suitable alternative locations.
The council is keen to support the accommodation of asylum seekers within the area, but feels that it is important that the location and accommodation is suitable for the purpose and that sufficient time is provided to properly consider issues of safety and the health of all parties concerned.
North Northamptonshire Council takes its responsibility to asylum seekers very seriously. The council has previously offered to have discussions with the Home Office to help identify suitable hotels in the area.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
However, the Royal Hotel in Kettering is not an appropriate place to accommodate asylum seekers for a number of reasons. We do not feel the proposals have been properly considered to ensure the best possible service can be provided to asylum seekers and the local communities in which they are housed. I felt it was important to take action which was a decision we have not taken lightly.