Notting Hill Genesis Reviews Hotel Use After Sex Attack Allegations

London housing association Notting Hill Genesis is undertaking a review of its hotel usage for temporary accommodation. This decision follows reports of sexual assaults, including an allegation made by resident Kelly Butler concerning an incident at a Chiswick Travelodge.

Ms Butler, 39, has spoken publicly about an alleged assault during her stay at the Travelodge earlier this year. She stated that a man, also a Notting Hill Genesis tenant, allegedly attempted to grab and kiss her on two occasions. The individual was reported to the police and subsequently removed from the hotel by Travelodge staff, according to Ms Butler. The housing association had placed Ms Butler, her partner, and her daughter in the Chiswick hotel to allow for repairs to their Ravenscourt Park flat.

Financial Context and Wider Incidents

Ms Butler's account gained wider attention following an ITV investigation. This report revealed that taxpayers have spent more than £78 million with Travelodge since December 2022. This expenditure has largely been for emergency accommodation, staff rooms, and housing for homeless individuals, according to the ITV segment. The review by Notting Hill Genesis will encompass all hotels used for temporary housing, including those provided by Travelodge.

This review follows a separate incident where Kyran Smith was jailed for over seven years for a sex attack on a woman at a Maidenhead hotel in December 2022. Smith had obtained a key card to the victim's room by misleading hotel staff.

Resident Concerns and Housing Association Response

While welcoming the review, Ms Butler highlighted ongoing issues with her original flat, including damp and mould, which necessitated the temporary relocation. She stated that her daughter was hospitalised with an asthma attack and dangerously low oxygen levels attributed to the condition of their flat. Ms Butler also reported witnessing anti-social behaviour in the hotels, which she felt was not adequately addressed. She expressed concerns about the safety and safeguarding measures in place, particularly regarding the placement of vulnerable guests alongside individuals in crisis without sufficient support or supervision.

A spokesperson for Notting Hill Genesis stated that the association had offered Ms Butler and her family various alternative accommodations during the repair period and had responded promptly to her feedback. The spokesperson added that an offer of a serviced apartment remains available until their return home, which is anticipated later this month as repairs near completion. The spokesperson confirmed that a review of temporary accommodation, including hotels, is underway.

Travelodge has declined to comment on Notting Hill Genesis's review. Previously, a Travelodge spokesperson stated that the company takes allegations of inappropriate or criminal behaviour seriously. Following Ms Butler's allegation, the individual was removed from the hotel, and the company cooperated with police investigations, which agreed with the actions taken.

Next Steps

Notting Hill Genesis is expected to conclude its review of hotel usage for temporary accommodation in the coming weeks. Ms Butler and her family are awaiting the completion of repairs to their Ravenscourt Park flat.