A council leader has defended hotels who have significantly increased their prices ahead of the country coming out of lockdown this summer.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that all lockdown restrictions will be lifted by June 21, if strict conditions are met, countless Brits have been looking to book a summer staycation.

However, hotels and comparison websites have been criticised for increasing their prices by up 100 per cent since the roadmap out of lockdown was revealed.

While those looking for a Southend staycation can still book a one-night stay at the five-star Suenos Guesthouse for as little as £89 on June 21, nationally prices appear to have rocketed.

Big firms have been accused of trying to take advantage of families after a testing year.

But Southend Council leader Ian Gilbert is sympathetic, admitting companies need to attempt to recoup funds they missed out on previously.

He said: “I can see both sides of the argument.

“An increase in prices will impact on people who want to take a holiday a little closer to home, but I can understand it from the business side of things.

“Businesses have been closed for so long and that will, inevitably, lead to them needing to bring in extra revenue.”

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The Seven Hotel, on Southend’s Clifton Terrace, has already seen a surge in bookings since it was confirmed England is looking to be out of lockdown by June 21.

However, the boutique hotel has confirmed it will not increase its prices to extortionate levels.

Sadiq Chikte, director of the Seven Hotel, said: “We are already looking very busy for the summer because a lot of people have booked their staycation.

“It looks as though we will be at a high occupancy when the country comes out of lockdown.

“We will be fair with our pricing.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said it is “far too early” for people to book a holiday abroad with families much more likely to enjoy a week away in the UK.

She told the Commons Home Affairs Committee: “It is too early and we have to look at the data at every single stage, and the road map outlined by the Prime Minister makes that abundantly clear.”