Council Leader Refutes Claims of Asylum Seekers in Hinckley Hotels

Claims that hotels in Hinckley, Leicestershire, are being used to house asylum seekers have been firmly denied by local authorities. The leader of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC), Stuart Bray, labeled the rumors as “misinformation,” asserting they create “unnecessary fear and division” within the community.

In an official statement issued on October 8, 2023, Bray addressed allegations circulating on social media. These claims suggested that the council had set targets for accommodating asylum seekers in local hotels. He clarified that these assertions are false and emphasized that the responsibility for accommodating asylum seekers lies with Serco, a government-appointed contractor, rather than the council itself.

The UK government has expressed intentions to phase out the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. On October 5, Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, stated his desire to expedite the closure of all asylum hotels, which is currently scheduled for 2029. Government ministers are working towards this goal by aiming to reduce small boat crossings and construct new government-owned facilities for asylum seekers.

The debate around asylum accommodation costs has intensified, with the National Audit Office (NAO) predicting that expenses will reach £15.3 billion over the next decade, which is three times the amount initially budgeted by the Home Office. Such figures have ignited discussions on the financial implications of asylum housing across the country.

Individuals seeking asylum are those who have requested safety in another country due to threats in their homeland. The Refugee Council prefers the term “people seeking asylum” to avoid dehumanization. Although many refugees do not come to the UK—about 72% remain in nearby, often less affluent countries—those who do have the right to seek protection under international law.

Bray emphasized that most asylum claims in the UK are successful, despite the lengthy process involved. Currently, individuals seeking asylum are unable to work and survive on just over £6 per day. He reiterated that seeking asylum is not illegal, even if individuals do not possess official documentation.

In his statement, Bray expressed pride in living in a diverse borough where inclusion is integral to community life. “Our communities are made stronger by the people who live in them, people of different backgrounds, experiences, and stories who contribute to the richness of our shared spaces,” he said. He urged against redirecting frustrations with the housing crisis towards vulnerable individuals and condemned the spread of misinformation.

Bray also touched upon the misuse of national symbols, stating that these should foster pride and belonging rather than division. He called for unity within the community, advocating for a culture that values truth, fairness, and inclusion.

For individuals who feel targeted by abuse, the council urges reporting incidents to the police at 101 or 999 for immediate threats. Misinformation can be reported to [email protected].