Council Considers Continued Hotel Use for Homeless Despite Objections

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has indicated that the use of a town centre hotel for housing homeless individuals remains an option, notwithstanding numerous objections. Nine people have been accommodated at the Sneyd Arms hotel in Tunstall, as the council states it is legally obligated to offer temporary shelter to those experiencing homelessness. Opponents of this approach have asserted a connection between the hotel’s use for this purpose and an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour within the vicinity. A petition, initiated by former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis, garnered over 500 signatures, urging the city council to identify different provisions. Local authority officials stated that although efforts are underway to lessen their dependence on hotels for temporary housing, the Sneyd Arms continues to be necessary. The council expended over £500,000 on hotel and B&B accommodation during the previous year and confirmed it is presently re-evaluating its strategy for rough sleepers and homeless individuals. Mr. Gullis informed the housing, regeneration and operations scrutiny committee that the problems in Tunstall were particularly associated with single, homeless men who had drug or alcohol issues. He stated, “They were either attracting crime into the town, with people seeking to exploit their vulnerability, or they themselves were partaking in drugs and alcohol and acting in a yobbish manner.” He acknowledged that suggesting the hotel should not be used for homeless individuals at all might be perceived as “cruel and callous.” He further commented, “The young families were not the problem, and so I would be empathetic towards that being able to continue for a short period of time.” He added, “It’s about setting a tone and not making Tunstall seem like a dumping ground.” Adrian Scarrott, the council’s assistant director for housing, affirmed that the authority is legally bound to supply temporary accommodation to homeless individuals, including those exhibiting challenging behaviours. He also mentioned that the council recently increased its specialized homeless units from 28 to 40 and is seeking to obtain nightly paid accommodation from a local provider to lessen its reliance on hotels. Mr. Scarrott stated, “We do recognise that hotels aren’t ideal. However, in the context of increasing demand, we don’t have sufficient capacity within our own stock.” He additionally reported that six individuals were arrested and charged in relation to a series of crimes in Tunstall during March and April, none of whom were residents at the Sneyd Arms.