Extraordinary assembly to debate asylum lodging is cancelled

26 August 2025

An extraordinary assembly which had been deliberate to debate using three inns in West Northamptonshire as asylum lodging has been cancelled.

The particular assembly had been scheduled to happen on Tuesday, 16 September to think about a movement proposed by Cllr Daniel Lister. 

However the request was withdrawn on 3 September, which means the assembly will not happen.

The movement had stated:

“Following the judgement of Mr Justice Eyre on 19 August, granting Epping Forest District Council an injunction to prevent the inappropriate use of the Bell Hotel in its district as an asylum seeker centre, this Council resolves to instruct, without delay, suitably qualified legal counsel to represent West Northamptonshire Council in seeking an interim injunction against the owners of the Ibis Hotel, Crick, the Holiday Inn, Flore, and the MK Hotel, Deanshanger, to prevent their use as asylum seeker centres. Council further calls upon all members to support this motion.”

The request for a rare assembly had been accepted by WNC’s Monitoring Officer underneath the principles of the Council’s Constitution, having been seconded after which supported by an additional 5 councillors.

It was as a result of happen in Northampton’s Guildhall on Tuesday, 16 September at 5pm, and was along with the scheduled assembly of Full Council as a result of happen 9 days afterward 25 September.

In gentle of the Epping Forest District Council High Court ruling, the Council was already actively reviewing the authorized proof and knowledge it holds as a part of making ready a strong case in opposition to using the three inns, that are commissioned by the Home Office for asylum lodging. 

It is necessary that the Council has robust proof just like that introduced within the Epping Forest case to make sure the possibilities of its success in future authorized motion, and given the potential important price to taxpayers.

In response to the request, Leader of the Council Cllr Mark Arnull had stated: “We fully understand the concerns of our residents and fellow councillors about the use of these hotels as asylum accommodation and our Council had already started the work to see if it has a robust legal case like Epping’s. 

“It is necessary to do not forget that earlier actions to hunt an injunction on the premise of planning breaches have, till now, not been profitable and authorized motion could be very pricey to our taxpayers. It would due to this fact be irresponsible for the Council to use to the court docket to hunt an injunction with out figuring out first we have now the proof for a profitable final result. 

“I welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues publicly with fellow members in the Council Chamber.”