Two London boroughs, Newham and Greenwich, are pushing back against government plans to accommodate asylum seekers in local hotels, arguing that the move was made without proper consultation and could overwhelm already stretched public services.
The Home Office has reportedly booked hundreds of hotel rooms across the capital to house asylum seekers amid a backlog in processing applications. However, council leaders claim they were not informed in advance, leaving them unprepared to support the new arrivals.
Local Services Under Pressure
Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz expressed frustration, stating that the borough was already struggling with housing shortages and strained health and education services. "Placing vulnerable individuals in temporary accommodation without proper support is unacceptable," she said.
Greenwich Council echoed these concerns, warning that the sudden influx could disrupt community cohesion and place additional burdens on social care teams.
Government Defends Strategy
A Home Office spokesperson defended the use of hotels as a temporary measure, citing "unprecedented pressures" on the asylum system. They emphasised that the government remains committed to finding long-term solutions, including the controversial Rwanda relocation scheme.
However, critics argue that the hotel strategy is costly and unsustainable, with taxpayers footing a bill estimated at millions per day.
Growing Tensions
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between local authorities and central government over asylum policy. With more hotels potentially being requisitioned, other councils may follow Newham and Greenwich in opposing the plans.
As the debate continues, questions remain about how to balance humanitarian obligations with the practical challenges faced by communities receiving asylum seekers.
