THE Home Office has announced it will be using a hotel in Kidderminster to house asylum seekers.

The hotel is understood to be the Gainsborough House Hotel on Bewdley Hill, according to Wyre Forest District Council. 

In Worcestershire, two hotels in the Wychavon district are already being used to house asylum seekers. 

Responding to the Home Office decision, Councillor Helen Dyke, Leader of the Council said: “We can confirm the Home Office informed us last night that they intend to use a Kidderminster hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers. This is part of the government’s obligations under the Refugee Convention.

"The council wasn’t involved in the decision and we weren’t consulted in advance. But we do understand the need for asylum seekers to be appropriately housed while their claims are assessed.

"Wyre Forest has a history of welcoming people of all nationalities, and we are ready and willing to play our part in helping these vulnerable people who have been through so much.

"Asylum seekers often come from countries that have been affected by war or other political or humanitarian crises. Many of them will have had difficult and dangerous journeys to reach the UK. This includes those who cross the English Channel on small boats. They deserve our understanding. Please show them the same compassion you're demonstrating in responding to the desperate plight of the people of Ukraine.

"We will be working with the Home Office, Worcestershire County Council and other relevant organisations to prepare for their arrival. At the moment we do not know exactly when these people will arrive or how long they will be here with us."

The Home Office will bear the cost of using it and a company will be operating it on their behalf. The District Council's services are not expected to be impacted.

The Home Office pays asylum seekers a weekly allowance of £39.63.

The Home Office has informed the Council that it plans to make arrangements for the hotel to be available for use from 21 March. The exact start date will depend on the demands in the asylum system.