Rumours About Rainham Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers Addressed by Council

Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, has addressed recent rumours circulating on social media about the Berwick Manor Hotel in Rainham, clarifying its current use.

There have been claims that the hotel is being used by the council to house asylum seekers. However, Councillor Summers has confirmed this is not true. She stated that the hotel is being used exclusively to provide emergency accommodation for vulnerable families who are unfortunately homeless.

“We are aware of misinformation circulating on social media claiming that Berwick Manor Hotel in Rainham is being used by the Council to house asylum seekers. This is untrue. The Council is using this hotel to provide emergency accommodation to vulnerable families who are regrettably homeless,” said Councillor Summers.

She explained that responsibility for housing asylum seekers lies with the Home Office, not Havering Council. “We can confirm that no asylum seekers are currently being accommodated at Berwick Manor Hotel or any other hotels in Havering,” she added.

Highlighting the challenges faced by the Council, Councillor Summers said: “Like many councils across the country, Havering is facing a housing crisis. Therefore we are forced to rely on hotels such as the Berwick Manor to house homeless individuals and families, due to the chronic shortage of housing and unprecedented demand on housing stocks.”

The Council has urged residents to stop spreading misinformation about those staying at the hotel. “It is unhelpful and creates unnecessary community tensions,” Councillor Summers concluded.

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