Last week I received notification from the Home Office that the Regency Park Hotel in Thatcham would be closing as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers from 31 January 2024.
The hotel was formally requisitioned by the Home Office in 2022 to cope, primarily, with the increasing numbers arriving by small boat from France. It was one of a number of hotels across the country utilised for this purpose.
The closure of the hotel does not mean any of those currently living there will be left without accommodation. The Home Office has given assurances that alternative accommodation will be provided, however it has always been the case that the use of hotels was a temporary measure that would come to an end when circumstances permitted. And it has to be acknowledged that hotel use overall came at considerable cost to the taxpayer of £8 million per day by September of this year.
A number of significant developments this year have changed the landscape. First, there has been a rapid increase in the Home Office’s processing times. This is reflected in the number of people accommodated at the Regency Park Hotel who received their decisions this year. Today of the 175 beds available, only around 100 are currently occupied. I am working with the Home Office to press for more decisions before the closing date. But in any event, overall processing speeds means fewer people will be in limbo for much longer.
Second, the Home Office has been able to access better-value accommodation so that commercial hotels can be phased out.
Third, the overall numbers crossing the Channel are down significantly on last year. Home Office data shows that as of 31 October small boat crossings stood at 26,605. Roughly 32% down on this time last year (where more than 45,000 people arrived). Yes still a high number, but evidence that returns agreements with countries like Albania and new border patrol agreements with France have led to a sharp reduction.
Of those who have been granted asylum in Thatcham, all have housing (sometimes with local hosts) and most are working. Some have left West Berkshire to build a new life elsewhere where they have contacts. However, finding housing has proved challenging not least because the majority are young men, and West Berkshire Council’s emergency housing policy rightly prioritises families with children.
At its heart, our immigration policy must be about fairness. We have a proud record, here and nationally, of taking in those escaping persecution from countries like Ukraine and Afghanistan. And with conflict escalating in the Middle East it is possible to envisage future schemes being required. However, local authorities must have the capacity to provide housing, education and other support services for refugees. Surely no one would suggest we reduce the numbers we accommodate lawfully under humanitarian schemes to accommodate those arriving via people smugglers by boat? It is only by gripping the issue of small boats, that we can sustain our generosity to those most in need.