Statement on the asylum hotel in West Oxfordshire

Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said, “West Oxfordshire District Council is proud of the way our local community has come together to support asylum seekers. Local organisations, voluntary groups and our officers have shown professionalism and empathy to the plight of the families staying in the hotel in Witney for short periods while their asylum applications are processed. It has been a good collaborative effort across public sector partners to support the hotel and make sure those staying there are supported as well as local communities. We have seen our communities donate clothes, bicycles and other items to help the predominantly families housed in the hotel. The empathy and compassion shown is a true testament to the strong, inclusive communities we have here in West Oxfordshire.

“There is no room for those who wish to divide our communities by raising fear through misinformation and heightened rhetoric. We believe hotels are not the best form of accommodation in the long term and we hope the government will continue to look at alternatives in a pragmatic and measured way to reduce their use. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the hotel is well managed while it remains in its current use.

“As it currently stands the Council have no intention of pursuing any planning enforcement against the hotel in Witney as we do not believe there are any planning or other grounds to take enforcement action. The situation in the Epping case appears significantly different to the one we are experiencing in Witney, and it would be premature to act at this stage. We will wait until the legal process in the Epping case has been fully concluded, and for any possible appeal decisions. It goes without saying that we are following the case closely and will consider any relevant outcome, looking to work closely with the owners of the hotel as well as partner agencies to avoid disruption and uncertainties to all affected.”