More councils in England are planning to challenge the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, following Essex's Epping Council's legal battle. Labour-run councils are also considering taking legal action to close hotels used for asylum accommodation.

After Epping Council successfully challenged the use of the Bell Hotel in Essex to accommodate asylum seekers, other councils are now exploring similar legal avenues. The council argued that the hotel was not suitable for housing vulnerable individuals, citing concerns over safety and the well-being of residents.

Labour-run councils are also looking into legal challenges to shut down hotels housing asylum seekers. They argue that the practice is inhumane and does not provide adequate support for those seeking refuge in the country.

As the debate intensifies, councils are facing pressure to find alternative accommodation solutions for asylum seekers. The issue has sparked a larger conversation about the treatment of migrants and the responsibility of local authorities to provide appropriate housing for those in need.