Labour-run councils are considering legal action to stop hotels from housing asylum seekers, following a landmark high court ruling in Epping Forest. Wirral and Tamworth councils have said they are exploring injunctions to remove claimants, after the Conservative-controlled Epping Forest council secured a temporary injunction to clear the Bell Hotel.
Wirral council leader Paula Basnett said the authority was 'actively considering all options available to us to ensure that any use of hotels or other premises in Wirral is lawful.' She added that it was 'unacceptable for the government to impose unsuitable, short-term arrangements that disrupt communities.' Tamworth's Labour leader Carol Dean described the Epping judgment as a 'potentially important legal precedent' and said the council was assessing its implications.
The developments come as Home Office minister Dan Jarvis said the government is looking at alternative accommodation options if more councils succeed in legal challenges. However, a source close to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper insisted she remains determined to stick to the manifesto pledge to close asylum hotels by the end of the parliament, calling the Epping ruling a 'narrow court judgment' that would not knock the government off course.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged all Conservative-run councils to consider similar legal challenges under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Broxbourne, East Lindsey, West Northamptonshire, and Staffordshire councils have said they will explore options. Reform UK leaders Nigel Farage and Richard Tice also indicated their party's councils may pursue legal bids.
In contrast, Newcastle city council leader Karen Kilgour ruled out legal action, stating she was 'confident' the council could end hotel use without going to court. She emphasised Newcastle's 'proud history of offering sanctuary' while stressing the need for arrangements that 'work for our city.'
