Labour Councils Weigh Legal Action Over Asylum Hotels Amid Epping Ruling
Published 20 August 2025
Highlights
- Labour-run councils, including Wirral and Tamworth, are considering legal challenges to close hotels housing asylum seekers following a court ruling in Epping Forest.
- The Home Office is exploring alternative accommodations, such as former military sites, amid concerns over the use of hotels for asylum seekers.
- The Epping Forest ruling has prompted both Labour and Conservative councils to assess legal options, potentially setting a precedent for future actions.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper remains committed to closing asylum hotels by the end of the parliamentary term, despite legal challenges.
- Local councils express concerns over the lack of consultation and planning considerations in the government's asylum accommodation strategy.
Labour-run councils across the UK are contemplating legal action to close hotels currently housing asylum seekers, following a significant court ruling in Epping Forest. The decision has sparked a wave of responses from local authorities and the Home Office, as they grapple with the implications of the ruling and the broader challenges of asylum seeker accommodation.
Legal Challenges and Local Concerns
The recent high court injunction in Epping Forest, which temporarily halted the use of the Bell Hotel for asylum seekers, has prompted Labour councils, including Wirral and Tamworth, to explore similar legal avenues. Wirral Council leader Paula Basnett expressed concerns about the Home Office's practice of placing asylum seekers in hotels without local consultation or adherence to planning regulations. "We are actively considering all options to ensure that any use of hotels in Wirral is lawful," Basnett stated, emphasizing the need to protect both residents and asylum seekers.
Tamworth Council is also assessing the potential impact of the Epping ruling on its local circumstances. Labour Councillor Carol Dean noted that while the UK government has a statutory duty to accommodate asylum seekers, the prolonged use of hotels may not be the best approach.
Government's Response and Alternative Plans
In response to the growing legal challenges, the Home Office is reportedly considering alternative accommodations, such as former military sites, to house asylum seekers. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper remains steadfast in her commitment to close asylum hotels by the end of the parliamentary term, despite the legal hurdles. "We have a plan and we’re sticking to it," a government source affirmed.
The ruling has also caught the attention of Conservative councils, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch urging council leaders to pursue legal action under the Town and Country Planning Act if advised. Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire is among those seeking urgent legal advice on the matter.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The Epping Forest ruling has highlighted the tensions between local councils and the central government over asylum accommodation strategies. Many councils argue that the current approach disrupts communities and bypasses local decision-making processes. As the government and local authorities navigate these challenges, the debate over the most effective and humane way to accommodate asylum seekers continues to unfold.
What this might mean
The legal challenges initiated by Labour councils could set a significant precedent, potentially leading to a reevaluation of the government's asylum accommodation strategy. If more councils succeed in their legal actions, the Home Office may need to accelerate its plans for alternative accommodations, such as repurposing military sites or student residences.
Politically, the issue could intensify debates within the UK government and among local authorities, as they balance statutory obligations with community concerns. Experts suggest that a collaborative approach, involving consultation with local councils and communities, may be necessary to develop sustainable solutions that address both humanitarian needs and local interests.
