Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, has shared a statement following recent misinformation concerning Berwick Manor Hotel.
Councillor Natasha Summers, said:
“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.
"The Home Office - not the Council - are responsible for housing asylum seekers and we can confirm that no asylum seekers are currently being accommodated at Berwick Manor Hotel or any other hotels in Havering.
“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.
“We want people to stop spreading false information concerning the people living at Berwick Manor Hotel.
"It is unhelpful and creates unnecessary community tensions.”