Council Leader demands Home Secretary confirms closure dates for asylum hotels in West Northants
09 April 2026
The Leader of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has written to the Home Secretary to demand clear closure dates and greater transparency over the continued use of hotels in the area for asylum accommodation.
In his letter, Councillor Mark Arnull has expressed his concerns that, despite the Home Office stating the use of hotels is temporary and reliance on them will be reduced, councils like WNC have received no confirmed closure dates nor clear explanation of next steps.
He said: “Nationally, ministers continue to state that the use of hotels is temporary and that reliance on them will be reduced. Locally, however, councils like ours are left in the dark. Residents are expected to tolerate open-ended arrangements with no clarity; local services are expected to absorb pressures without warning; and council leaders are expected to answer questions without being given the basic facts.
“This is not sustainable governance. The continued lack of confirmed closure dates for West Northamptonshire undermines public confidence, fuels speculation and misinformation, and places local leaders in an impossible position.”
Cllr Arnull has requested the Home Secretary provide confirmed or target closure dates for each hotel in West Northamptonshire, along with a clear explanation of what conditions would justify any extension beyond those dates. He also pressed for the Home Secretary’s commitment that WNC will be notified in advance of any future changes or new placements.
He added: “If officials do not yet have firm dates, that in itself would be deeply concerning and should be stated plainly.
“Our local communities have shown patience, but that patience is not unlimited. It is not unreasonable for residents and their elected representatives to expect openness, clear timelines, and an end to indefinite arrangements imposed without consent.”
The Council reiterated its willingness to engage constructively with the Home Office but has made clear it will continue to raise the issue publicly and pursue all appropriate routes, including planning enforcement, until residents are given clarity, accountability and a clear end to temporary hotel use in West Northamptonshire.
WNC continues to take action in its role as the local planning authority. Having already issued Planning Contravention Notices to the owners of the three hotels in September, the Council believes a breach of planning control has occurred and is actively progressing through the complex legal process required to consider formal enforcement action. Evidence continues to be gathered to ensure a robust case, supported by specialist advice, and a senior officer taskforce has been established to drive the work forward.