Asylum Seekers in Worcester: New Figures and Investigations into Hotel Accommodations

Strategic Insights -

As Worcester City Council continues to grapple with the housing needs of asylum seekers, new figures have revealed that 121 individuals are currently being accommodated in the Fownes Hotel, with an additional 38 beds available elsewhere in the city. The information, secured by Reform UK councillor Alan Amos, has sparked concerns about the monitoring of individuals entering and exiting the hotel, as well as potential breaches of planning permission. An investigation into the Fownes Hotel is now underway, amidst questions about the role of central government in directing local authorities to accommodate asylum seekers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 121 asylum seekers are currently being housed in the Fownes Hotel in Worcester, with 38 additional beds available in other city properties.
  • A Serco report, shared with Cllr Amos on October 1, shows that eight city properties have been procured for asylum seekers, providing 38 bed spaces.
  • The city council does not hold data on monitoring individuals entering and exiting the Fownes Hotel, with Serco stating that asylum seekers are allowed to come and go as they wish.
  • Serco reported to the Home Office if an asylum seeker is absent from the site for a period longer than 7 days, in line with contractual obligations.
  • The Fownes Hotel was previously found to be without the correct planning permission to house asylum seekers.
  • A Worcester City Council spokesperson confirmed an investigation into the Fownes Hotel is underway.
  • Cllr Amos questioned the lack of investigation into the change of use of the hotel, citing probable breaches of planning permission.
  • The Home Office has responded to the same enquiry about the Fownes Hotel in the past, but the Worcester News has no record of receiving the response.

Statistics:

  • 121 asylum seekers are currently housed in the Fownes Hotel in Worcester.
  • 38 additional beds are available in other city properties.
  • 38 bed spaces are provided in the eight city properties procured for asylum seekers, according to a Serco report.
  • 7 days is the maximum period of absence from the Fownes Hotel reported to the Home Office by Serco.
  • June 23, 2022, is the date when the Home Office contacted the city council requesting the use of the Fownes Hotel for asylum seekers.
  • 8 city properties have been procured by Serco for asylum seeker accommodation, with 38 bed spaces provided.

Sources:

  • A Serco report, shared with Cllr Amos on October 1.
  • A statement from Serco regarding their handling of asylum seekers in hotels.
  • An interview with Reform UK councillor Alan Amos.
  • A spokesperson for Worcester City Council.
  • A spokesperson for the Home Office.