Westmorland and Furness Council has dispelled rumours of asylum hotels after claims that local hotels across the district including two in Penrith where to be used to house asylum seekers.
Rumours began circulating in Penrith fuelled by anonymous social media posts that the Station Hotel on Castlegate and the former Acorn Guest House on Scotland Road where planned to be used to house asylum seekers.These have now been confirmed as not correct having raised concerns of local residents in recent weeks.
A spokesperson for the council said “In Westmorland and Furness, accommodation for asylum seekers is arranged and managed by Serco on behalf of the Home Office.
“Since March 2024, the council is not aware of any use, or upcoming plans for use of hotels for this purpose.”
Approximately 258 asylum seekers have been housed by the Home Office in Westmorland and Furness since Autumn 2023.
“As a caring council, we are committed to supporting all asylum seekers to live and thrive in Westmorland and Furness,” a spokesperson for the council said.
They said they offer support which is “flexible and respectful” as they recognise “that not everyone will require or wish to engage with support”.
Support for asylum seekers includes weekly drop-in sessions, alongside local voluntary groups, which offer “a safe and welcoming space where we help people to access financial support funded by the Home Office”, as well as healthcare, education, clothing, and any other essential needs.
The spokesperson added: “We will continue working closely with our partners to ensure everyone seeking asylum has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and part of our community.”
In a report issued this week by the Home Office they confirmed that no hotels in Westmorland and Furness are currently being used for this purpose, and the council said they have not been made aware of any upcoming change in that position.
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
