Asylum seekers set to move in to Whitehaven hotel

A Whitehaven hotel has been identified as a venue to house asylum seekers, the area’s MP says.

Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP, said she had been informed by the Home Office that the Waverley Hotel on Tangier Street had been earmarked for people fleeing their country.

In Carlisle, the former Hilltop Hotel, just off London Road, is being used as a hostel for refugees while they wait for news of their immigration status. Earlier this month, a rooftop protest was held by residents over their living conditions.

It is being reported that the Waverley was sold to new owners last week.

Mrs Harrison added: “While the Home Office assures me that they are working to reduce the reliance on using hotels in the long term, I am informed that this accommodation must be provided on a temporary basis to comply with our statutory duties.

“I am further informed that the Home Office is working with Copeland Borough Council and Cumbria County Council to address any concerns that arise regarding the use of the hotel for this purpose.”

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: “The Home Office has a statutory duty to ensure they have sufficient capacity to accommodate people seeking asylum who are at risk of destitution.

“It’s not unusual for the county council, district and borough councils and third sector organisations to be in regular dialogue with the Home Office as they seek to find suitable contingency accommodation.”

Mrs Harrison and Copeland mayor Mike Starkie have released a joint statement, saying the deal was a private one between the Home Office and the hotel’s new owner and the district council has not been given any financial incentive. Read it in full here.