The Bolton Council meeting on 3 September 2025 included discussion of motions regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine and the use of hotels for migrant accommodation, as well as proceedings from various committees. Councillors were also scheduled to address questions under standing orders.

Motion Regarding Recognition of the State of Palestine

Councillor H. Alli submitted a motion concerning the recognition of the State of Palestine. The motion states:

This council unequivocally, condemns the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza and condemns the stealing of even further Palestinian land by Israeli settlers using violence and the brutal forced evictions of Palestinians living in the West Bank in recent months on a continuous basis.

Furthermore, this council urgently appeals to Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and the Prime Minister to immediately recognise the State of Palestine regardless of whether Israel agrees to a ceasefire or not.

Motion Regarding Use of Hotels for Migrant Accommodation

Councillor Muslim submitted a motion regarding the use of hotels for migrant accommodation. The motion notes a recent High Court judgement secured by Epping Forest District Council preventing the Bell Hotel from being used to accommodate migrants, and also notes that 2025 has been the worst year ever for small boat crossings.

The council was scheduled to consider the following resolutions:

1. Requesting the Chief Executive to assess the merits of seeking an injunction to prevent the use of local hotels for migrant accommodation in the event of a planning control breach.
2. Writing to the Home Office to express concerns about the use of hotels for migrant accommodation and to request full consultation on future decisions.
3. Calling on the government to develop a sustainable and community-consulted approach to housing migrants.
4. Calling on the government to adopt the Conservative Party's draft Deportation Bill.

Committee Proceedings

The meeting agenda included approving the proceedings of the following committees:

• Planning Committee
• Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee
• Corporate and External Issues Scrutiny Committee
• Health Overview and Adults, Communities and Integration Scrutiny Committee
• Children's Services Scrutiny Committee
• Place Scrutiny Committee

Questions Under Standing Order

The agenda included time for questions to be asked under Standing Order No. 9(a) and 9(c).