Statement on today’s Epping Hotel High Court Ruling

11 November 2025

Statement on today’s Epping Hotel High Court Ruling from Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council.

We remain resolute in our position that the three hotels in West Northamptonshire have never been suitable for use as asylum accommodation by the Home Office and that they continue to place relentless and unsustainable strain on local services.

“Today’s High Court judgement doesn’t deter us from our current course of action as we continue to do everything we can within our powers to ensure the right outcome for our residents.

“Having issued planning contravention notices to the owners of the three hotels being used by the Home Office for asylum accommodation we are currently evaluating them and seeking legal opinion on the Council’s case to inform next steps.”Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council