Home Office scheme housing asylum seekers in Longford hotel criticised by charities

[dutchman]

The Novotel says it is supporting the NHS, blue-light services and vulnerable families during the Covid-19 pandemic



A Coventry hotel is among dozens nationally that are being used by the Home Office to accommodate asylum seekers during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Novotel in Longford is providing additional temporary accommodation to ensure no one is left homeless after the lockdown was imposed in March.

However, charities have claimed that some of those housed have been restricted to set meals and left without financial support for travel and basic essentials.

This is said to have included removing £5.39-a-day financial support on the basis that meals are provided – leading to complaints about a lack of funds for toiletries, baby milk and public transport.

Concerns were also heightened in June after a knife attack at one of the hotels in Glasgow, where a resident injured six people before being shot dead by police.

Responding to these criticisms last week, the Home Office said that the move was taken so “nobody should find themselves destitute.”

A fact sheet states that asylum seekers placed in hotels have “free meals, toiletries and other support”, with all service users having access to 24/7 advice and support.

Addressing complaints about the cash allowance, the Home Office said: “Those who were already in the support system and accommodated in houses and flats will continue to receive a cash allowance to cover their other essential living needs.

“If they are accommodated in full board then all accommodation, utilities, meals and essentials are provided by the accommodation provider and a cash allowance is not paid.”

The Novotel, which is run by London-based Fairview Hotels, is currently closed to the general public.

[rebbonk]

I honestly failed to see why the Telegraph reported this as it did.

There was no point in mentioning the Novotel. As far as I'm aware there have been no local issues. Was it a poor attempt to muck-rake?

[dutchman]

They could be living there themselves soon from what I read!

[rebbonk]

It really is a rag these days.

According to the last published figures, they sell less than 10,000 copies a day, hardly worth turning the computer on for. It really needs putting out of its misery. I can only think of 1 local reporter worth employing.

Illife would be spinning in his grave.