Chichester Park Hotel: Home Office Likely to Use The Venue to House Asylum Seekers

Chichester District Council confirmed they had recently been advised by the Home Office that a hotel in the area is being considered for use as contingency accommodation for people seeking asylum

We understand, from the hotel that a wedding booking has been able to transfer to another hotel and  that the two wedding bookings next summer  have chosen a refund and are looking for alternative venues. 

The Home Office, say they don't comment on individual arrangements and therefore V2 can only be guided by the statement from the  Chichester Park Hotel, believed to be from current management. 

Home Office spokesperson said:

“The number of people arriving in small boats is down compared with last year but we must go further to stop the boats in the first place.

“That is why we are determined, through the Illegal Migration Act, to ensure that anyone arriving in the UK illegally is detained and swiftly removed to their country of origin or a safe third country.

“We are also working hard to reduce the unacceptable use of hotels by moving asylum seekers into alternative, cheaper accommodation, doubling them up in hotel rooms, and clearing the legacy backlog.” 

 However, the background information given by the Home Office confirmed that Hotel Staffing decisions are at the discretion of the hotelier and contractors. The Home office is not involved in those decisions.

There were more than 50,000 asylum seekers in hotels as of the end of June 2023, costing £8.2 million a day. Including all contingency accommodation, the numbers accommodated are more than 52,000. 

A Statement from the Chichester Park Hotel: 

"In response to the recent online rumours surrounding the sale of the Chichester Park Hotel, it is essential to address the concerns raised by our community, staff, and partners. 

"We acknowledge the considerable apprehension about the potential loss of jobs and the impact on community services like the gym, swimming pool, and dining facilities. Our venue has long been a part of Chichester’s local fabric, and we are aware of the gravity of the situation for everyone involved.

"As the former owner/operators, we have no control over the hotel’s future use. The decision for it to house asylum seekers is made by the Home Office, therefore we are not involved in the specific decision-making process.

"Our focus remains on providing our staff with the support they require during this transitionary period. We are equally committed to maintaining an open dialogue with long term customers, local stakeholders, including our valued partners and community members. Your concerns are our valid, and while the exact future of the hotel remains to be finalised, we will strive to be as transparent as possible moving forward. 

A spokesperson for Chichester District Council said:

“West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council have recently been advised by the Home Office that a hotel in the Chichester area is being considered for use as contingency accommodation for people seeking asylum. Decisions around use of hotels and placements for those seeking asylum are made by the Home Office. We are not involved in the decision-making process. Should members of the public wish to contact the Home Office directly they can be contacted on public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk or by calling 0207 035 4848.”