Wigan Council statement, August 18 2023

Wigan Council statement, August 18 2023

Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said:

“Wigan Borough has a strong track record of supporting non-UK residents who are vulnerable and in need and has demonstrated this commitment particularly in recent years.

“Having been recently notified of the intended use of a privately owned hotel within the borough for the purpose of supporting additional asylum seekers, we have written to the Home Office outlining significant concerns about its suitability.

“Our stance regarding hotels being used for these purposes has been voiced consistently over a number of years.

“We have highlighted in this most recent letter numerous reasons why this particular hotel is not suitable, due to its location and limited local amenities, along with several other factors, including the added strain placed on limited public services.

“The proximity to another borough hotel which is currently in use as a contingency accommodation for asylum seekers, and has been for a number of years, is another factor.

“We have made strong representations to Home Office officials and their contractor Serco previously, and we have urged them to reconsider this latest decision as a matter of urgency.

“Wigan Borough remains committed to supporting those in need who are seeking a safe haven and we have a responsibility to ensure this is done as responsibly and safely as possible. We would also like to thank our communities for working alongside us to provide this support.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work proactively with our community partners and organisations.”