Asylum hotel plans paused by Home Office

Further discussions about the plans are due to take place

Government plans to exclusively house male asylum seekers at a hotel have been paused.

It comes as Surrey Police put a dispersal order in place in Stanwell, which allows officers to remove individuals who are causing or likely to cause disorder or crime.

The force said it took the step following reports of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour after 100 people protested outside The Stanwell Hotel on Thursday.

Spelthorne Borough Council (SBC) says families, including vulnerable women and children, seeking asylum are currently staying at the hotel.

'Integrating well'

SBC leader Joanne Sexton had warned that a Home Office proposal to house men at the hotel was causing concern in the local community.

She added it would also mean that the families - who she said were "integrating well and building community ties" - would be relocated.

Ms Sexton welcomed the "temporary pause" by the government, which met with SBC on Friday.

But she said she was "still concerned about the potential consequences of the proposed changes and the impact they will have".

The Home Office has said it is fixing a "broken system" and that the security of local communities around hotels was always a "paramount concern".

"From over 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost £9m a day, there are now less than 210," it added.

"We want them all closed by the end of this Parliament."

Asylum seekers in hotels fell by almost 6,000 in the first three months of 2025 - down 15% from December, according to the Home Office.

More talks planned

The Surrey Police dispersal order, in place until 21:29 BST on Saturday, covers Town Lane, Trinity Close, St. Mary's Crescent, Village Park and Lauser Park.

"We respect the right to peaceful protest and will facilitate this wherever possible where it is safe to do so," said Surrey Police.

"However, criminal offences and public disorder will not be tolerated.

"We will take robust action against anyone who commits a criminal offence," the force added.

An SBC meeting is due to take place on 7 August to discuss the matter further.