All asylum seekers previously accommodated at The Bell Hotel in Epping have been removed from the premises, with only security staff now remaining on site. The Home Office confirmed the relocation was a precautionary measure prompted by fire safety concerns, emphasising its commitment to the safety of both service users and staff. However, this development appears to have caught local authorities off guard.
Epping Forest District Council expressed its surprise at the sudden evacuation, stating that despite "ongoing engagement" with the government, it was not informed in advance that this would happen. A council spokesperson indicated they are now seeking urgent clarification from the Home Office regarding the details of the incident and what their subsequent steps will be for the site.
The Bell Hotel has been a focal point of public attention, including protests that turned violent last summer. These demonstrations followed the conviction of one of its residents for sexually assaulting a child, an incident that intensified local opposition to the use of the hotel for asylum accommodation.
A government spokesperson, while declining to comment further on The Bell Hotel specifically, reiterated the broader strategy to reduce the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels. They stated that the Home Office is actively "removing incentives drawing illegal migrants to Britain" and is in the process of closing every asylum hotel. The long-term plan involves moving asylum seekers into more basic accommodation, including former military sites.
The Home Office highlighted that the population of asylum seekers in hotels has seen a significant reduction, falling by 35% over the past year. This figure represents a 63% decrease from the peak numbers recorded under the previous government, according to official data.