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Issue - meetings

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

 

 

Meeting: 02/10/2025 - Council (Item 45)

45 NOTICE OF MOTIONS pdf icon PDF 100 KB

To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

Additional documents:

Decision:

There were three motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

 

(A)        Use of Asylum Hotels in North Hertfordshire

 

RESOLVED: That the motion was lost.

 

(B)        Local Government Pension Scheme and Responsible Investment

 

The Chair advised that this motion had been withdrawn and would be considered at a future meeting of Full Council. This was confirmed by the proposer and seconder.

 

(C)        Waste Service Rollout

 

RESOLVED: That the motion was lost.

Minutes:

Audio recording – 1 hour 14 minutes 44 seconds

 

There were four motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

 

(A)      Use of Asylum Hotels in North Hertfordshire

 

The Chair advised Members to refrain from referencing specific hotels in use for asylum accommodation both in and outside the district during the course of the motion.

 

Councillor Ralph Muncer proposed the motion as follows:

 

‘2025 has been the worst year ever for small boat crossings with over 30,000 people having crossed the Channel, meaning since the Labour Government came to power in July 2024, over 50,000 people have now crossed the Channel leaving the immigration policy of this Government in tatters.

 

The number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels is still higher than when the Conservative Government left office despite Labour pledging to end the use of asylum hotels.

 

According to a Home Office report, as of 30 June 2025, 156 asylum seekers are being housed in hotels in North Hertfordshire, with most being housed in Needham House Hotel in Little Wymondley, a location which is wholly unsuitable for this purpose and has resulted in Hertfordshire Constabulary attending the hotel on a regular basis.

 

The use of local hotels as long-term accommodation for asylum seekers is not a sustainable solution and places disproportionate pressures on local infrastructure and services, as well as threatening community cohesion.

 

Therefore, the Council resolves to:

 

(1)       Instruct the Chief Executive and Director – Governance to urgently assess the merits of seeking legal advice to prevent local hotels from being used as accommodation for asylum seekers, considering every option including the use of injunctions, stop notices and other planning enforcement mechanisms.

 

(2)       Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for the Home Department expressing this Council's concern about the use of hotels in North Hertfordshire for asylum seeker accommodation, requesting the Government close the remaining hotels currently in use for this purpose and do not open any further asylum hotels within the District, nor employ the use of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in North Hertfordshire for the purpose of providing accommodation to asylum seekers.

 

(3)       Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, calling on the Government to adopt the Conservative proposals to clarify in law and policy beyond doubt that such asylum hotels should always require a change of use application.

 

(4)       Reverse the decision of Council in September 2023 and withdraw from the City of Sanctuary's Local Authorities Network.’

 

Councillor Steven Patmore seconded the motion.

 

The following Members took part in the debate:

 

·                Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

·                Councillor Nigel Mason

·                Councillor Mick Debenham

·                Councillor Clare Billing

·                Councillor Alistair Willoughby

·                Councillor Sean Prendergast

·                Councillor Val Bryant

·                Councillor Tim Johnson

·                Councillor Sadie Billing

·                Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham

·                Councillor Keith Hoskins

 

The following points were made as part of the debate:

 

·                Net migration had fallen 52% since its peak in 2024.

·                Councillor actions had consequences and Members should encourage hope rather  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45