Decision

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Nazmin Chowdhury.

There were no declarations of interest. 

At this juncture, the Leader of the Council gave an update relating to the Government’s intention to close the Novotel contingency asylum accommodation hotel by Christmas.  The Leader advised that the Council had consistently opposed the use of both the Novotel and former Ibis hotels for asylum accommodation and had engaged extensively with the Home Office, Government officials, the local MP and partners regarding the impact of contingency hotel provision on local services, community cohesion and residents.

It was reiterated that responsibility for accommodating asylum seekers rested with the Home Office and that decisions regarding alternative accommodation arrangements following the closure of contingency hotels would be made by the Home Office and its providers, rather than the Council.

Whilst welcoming the announcement regarding the Novotel, it was confirmed that the Council would continue to seek clarification from the Home Office regarding the future use of the former Ibis hotel.

Cabinet recorded its thanks to officers, Members, the local MP, Hertfordshire Constabulary and partner organisations for their work on the matter, noting that the Council's focus had remained on representing the interests of residents, supporting community cohesion and securing greater certainty for the town.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing advised that the Council operated strict eligibility criteria for access to the housing register and allocation of council housing and that asylum seekers who had not been granted leave to remain would not be eligible for council housing.  Members further noted that the Council had no influence over how or where individuals would be accommodated following the closure of the hotel.  It was emphasised that any such arrangements would not impact upon Stevenage residents currently on the Council's housing register.