Number of asylum hotels falls to 185 after 11 close
UK Asylum Hotel Numbers Drop to 185 Following Closure of 11 Sites
The UK government has announced the closure of 11 temporary accommodation sites, reducing the total number of hotels used for housing asylum seekers to 185 from a high of approximately 400. This shift follows a strategy to increase the removal of individuals without legal residency and to relocate others to alternative housing locations, including military barracks.
Home Office Justification
Home Office Minister Alex Norris attributed the decline to efforts in expelling undocumented migrants and utilizing non-hotel facilities. He also highlighted that asylum hotels had become a source of community dissatisfaction and a motivator for illegal entry, as traffickers often promised a life in hotels with the chance to work without restrictions.
“We know the traffickers say ‘come to the UK, live in a hotel, work illegally,’” Norris stated. “We’re changing that reality, we’re trying to reduce that pull factor.”
Historical Context and Costs
Asylum hotels saw a surge in use during 2020, driven by delays in processing claims and a shortage of long-term housing. This led to debates about their impact, with local councils and communities raising concerns over financial burdens and the social effects of housing large numbers in temporary settings.
According to December figures, 103,426 people were in asylum accommodation, with 30,657 staying in hotels. About two-thirds of asylum seekers are housed in dispersal accommodations, typically private homes within communities. The financial cost for hotels in 2024-2025 was £2.1bn, down from £3bn the previous year—equivalent to nearly £8.3 million daily.
Political Criticisms
“The Conservative plan is to leave the ECHR [European Convention on Human Rights] so that illegal immigrants are deported within a week of arrival—not put up in hotels or apartments,” said Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary.
“Closing asylum hotels is right for both communities and asylum seekers themselves, but it doesn’t fix the problem; it just moves it elsewhere,” remarked Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson.
“It is absolutely shocking that the government is boasting about moving illegal migrants from one form of taxpayer-funded accommodation to another,” said Zia Yusuf, Reform UK home affairs spokesman. “Thousands have already invaded Britain this year, and more will follow unless Reform UK is in government. We would detain and deport every illegal migrant.”
Labour has pledged to phase out hotel use for asylum seekers by July 2029, claiming this would save nearly £65 million annually. The party plans to continue closing sites, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks. Norris noted that the current number of people in hotels is projected to fall below the 29,585 level seen when Labour first took office.
Impact on Migration Trends
The government aims to curb the flow of small boat arrivals by targeting trafficking networks. However, despite these measures, 100,625 migrants reached the UK in 2025, maintaining high levels of cross-Channel crossings. Norris emphasized that the focus is now on shifting individuals to large, basic sites to ensure long-term housing solutions.
Up to 350 illegal migrants have been relocated to Crowborough military barracks in East Sussex. While some local leaders expressed reservations, councillor Rachel Millward criticized the lack of community consultation, stating the Home Office had not adequately explained its plans.
Next Steps
The next official statistics are set for release in May. Meanwhile, the government continues to stress its commitment to reducing reliance on hotels, with plans to implement permanent housing alternatives. The Green Party has been invited to comment on the policy developments.
