Bracknell Hotel to House Afghan Nationals

A Bracknell hotel will keep housing Afghan nationals who supported British forces, even as the government moves to close other asylum hotels.

The Grange Hotel will remain in use under the Afghan resettlement scheme. On 25 June the Home Office said 20 asylum hotels had closed, reducing the total in use to 170.

In Reading, The George Hotel on King Street - a Grade II listed coaching inn dating back to the 15th century - has stopped being used for asylum seekers and is expected to reopen to paying guests. It was not part of the Afghan resettlement scheme.

Hotels were used for asylum seekers from 2020 under the previous Conservative government; the current Labour government is now phasing their use out.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said he welcomed some closures but had no direct communication from the Home Office. He warned plans for MOD Bicester and two other sites, which are expected to house around 3,750 asylum seekers, could place a significant burden on local policing and has asked for extra resources and talks with officials.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter