Number of asylum hotels falls to 185 after 11 close

Asylum Hotel Numbers Drop to 185 Following 11 Closures

The government has closed 11 hotel sites, cutting the total number of asylum seeker accommodations to 185. This marks a decline from the 400 hotels that were in use at the height of the program. Home Office Minister Alex Norris attributed the reduction to increased deportations of individuals without the right to remain in the UK and the shift to alternative housing locations, such as military barracks.

Government Justifies Closures as Cost-Effective

Norris emphasized that asylum hotels had become a source of community frustration and a draw for illegal migration. He argued that by relocating asylum seekers to other sites, the government is addressing these issues. The use of hotels for asylum seekers surged in 2020 due to delays in processing claims and a shortage of long-term housing. This led to widespread criticism, including protests and legal challenges from local councils.

According to recent data, £2.1bn was allocated to hotel accommodations in 2024-2025, down from £3bn the previous year. This equates to approximately £8.3m per day in costs. Asylum seekers are typically not permitted to work during their first 12 months, and the Home Office must provide housing if they cannot secure it independently.

Political Reactions to the Policy Shift

“We’re changing that reality, we’re trying to reduce that pull factor,” Norris said, highlighting efforts to counter the influence of traffickers who encourage migration by promising hotel stays. He claimed these closures would lower the number of people attempting to reach the UK via the English Channel.

The Labour government has pledged to phase out hotel use by July 2029, aiming to save nearly £65m annually. It plans to announce more closures in the near future. Meanwhile, critics argue the move merely shifts the issue. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused the government of “shunting people from hotels into residential apartments to hide what is going on,” noting the impact on housing availability for young families.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Max Wilkinson stated, “Closing asylum hotels is right for both communities and asylum seekers themselves, but it doesn’t fix the problem; it just moves it elsewhere.” He suggested using Nightingale processing centers to address the backlog. Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf criticized the government for transferring illegal migrants between taxpayer-funded options, asserting that “thousands have already invaded Britain this year, and more will follow unless Reform UK is in government.” The Green Party has yet to respond.

Historical Context and Future Projections

The number of asylum seekers in hotels peaked at over 56,000 in 2023 under the Conservatives. Since Labour took power, numbers initially rose but have since declined. Norris predicted the hotel population would drop below 29,585, a level seen when Labour first assumed office. However, 100,625 individuals arrived in the UK via small boats in 2025, indicating ongoing challenges.

Up to 350 illegal migrants have been relocated to the Crowborough military barracks in East Sussex. Some local leaders, like councillor Rachel Millward, criticized the lack of community consultation and detailed planning. The next official figures on asylum accommodations are set to be released in May.