There is still no timetable for the closure of the George Hotel in Solihull town centre, despite continued calls from a local MP for it to be returned to commercial use.

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, MP for Solihull West and Shirley, wrote to the Home Secretary raising concerns about the continued use of the historic hotel as contingency asylum accommodation.

He questioned why the George was not among 20 hotels released from asylum accommodation in June and asked the Home Office to explain why it remains in use.

The MP also asked whether the hotel's suitability had been reassessed, what criteria are used to decide which hotels are released, and when the George could return to commercial operation.

In response, the Home Office said decisions about hotel closures are based on factors including operational feasibility, value for money, community cohesion, geographical considerations and the availability of alternative accommodation.

However, it said it does not comment on individual sites or publish details of hotels which may be scheduled for closure, citing "operational, safety and security reasons".

The Government said local authorities and MPs are informed directly when a hotel is identified for closure.

It reiterated its commitment to ending the use of asylum hotels and returning them to local communities by the end of the current Parliament.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

However, the department said the process must be "controlled, managed and orderly" due to the operational complexity involved and the need to maintain accommodation for people who require support.

Reacting to the response, Dr Shastri-Hurst said the Government had still not provided a timetable for the George Hotel's closure.

In a statement on social media, he said: "I know how important this issue is to many people across Solihull.

"I will continue making the case that the George Hotel should be returned to our community."

The latest response means there is currently no confirmed date for the George Hotel to stop being used as asylum accommodation.