Reform accused of 'misinformation' over Edinburgh Council's 'asylum hotel' plans

Reform has been accused of spreading misinformation after holding a press event outside a site it claimed Edinburgh Council planned to turn into accommodation for asylum seekers.

The party’s Thomas Kerr appeared for a photo call with journalists on Wednesday at the former Northfield House Hotel in the city.

He claimed that Edinburgh Council planned to turn the site of the former hotel, which was recently revamped into student accommodation, into a “hotel” which would house “male refugees”.

Kerr told STV News that “strangers will be prioritised over local people here in Edinburgh”.

However, officials have hit back at the claims as ‘misinformation’.

The local authority said the site had been selected as it contains 100 self-contained flats which can be used to house people awaiting permanent homes, including homeless families, people escaping abuse and those evicted by court order.

It added people using temporary accomodation pay rent to stay there.

Edinburgh Council stated the site would not be used to house people awaiting a decision on their asylum status, as this is a matter managed by the Home Office, not the council.

Thomas Kerr said Edinburgh Council was 'prioritising' strangers over local people — Thomas Kerr said Edinburgh Council was ‘prioritising’ strangers over local people STV News

Councillor Tim Pogson, housing, homelessness and fair work convener, said the council is “committed” to expanding its provision of temporary accommodation for those waiting to be housed, after a housing emergency was declared in 2023.

He said: “On Lasswade Road, the new accommodation unit will provide temporary housing for people without a permanent home. Everyone placed there will have presented as homeless in Edinburgh, received a full homeless assessment, and are entitled to council services and support.

“We already operate temporary accommodation in communities across the city, which are staffed 24/7 and managed well within the community.

“There is no presumption about who will be housed at the site beyond their legal entitlement to assistance as homeless applicants in Edinburgh.”