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In a significant shift in policy, the UK government has confirmed the closure of eleven more hotels used to house asylum seekers, a move expected to save taxpayers £65 million annually. This decision reduces the total number of hotels accommodating asylum seekers to below 190, a drastic decrease from the peak of around 400 under previous administrations.
Government’s Shift in Asylum Accommodation Strategy
The closures, announced on Tuesday evening, affect several controversial locations, including the Britannia Hotel in Wolverhampton and the OYO Lakeside in St Helens, both of which faced public backlash. Borders Minister Alex Norris remarked that the hotel system, originally intended as a temporary solution, had “spiralled out of control,” leading to substantial financial burdens on taxpayers and adverse impacts on local communities.
Norris emphasised the government’s commitment to shifting asylum seekers into more permanent and basic accommodations, stating, “We are shutting them down by moving people into more basic accommodation, scaling up large sites, removing record numbers of people with no right to remain.” This initiative aims to regain control over asylum processes, eliminate wasteful expenditure, and return hotels to community use.
Future Plans for Asylum Housing
The Home Office has indicated that additional closures will be forthcoming, with a clear objective to eliminate the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers before the next general election. Some individuals have already begun relocating to alternative facilities, including former military barracks. Notably, around 350 asylum seekers have been transferred to disused barracks in Crowborough, East Sussex, which reopened to asylum seekers in January.
Despite these efforts, the number of asylum seekers living in hotels remains significant, with 30,657 individuals recorded at the end of 2025—15% lower than in September but still above the pre-election figure of 29,561. The peak number of those housed in hotels reached 56,018 in September 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the government in addressing asylum accommodation.
Criticism from the Opposition
The opposition has not held back in its criticism of the government’s handling of the asylum situation. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp pointed out that recent statistics indicate a higher number of asylum seekers in hotels now compared to when his party was last in power. He accused the government of attempting to disguise the situation by moving individuals into residential apartments, which he claims are subsequently unavailable for young people seeking housing.
Philp further asserted that the current administration’s approach to immigration, particularly concerning small boat crossings, has led to record numbers. He stated, “Keir Starmer has let in more small boat illegal immigrants than any prime minister in history, with numbers up 45% since the election.” In response, he outlined the Conservative Party’s plan to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to expedite the deportation of illegal immigrants, contrasting it with what he described as Labour’s inaction.
The Broader Context of Asylum Policy
As the government undertakes these changes, the backdrop of rising immigration pressures and public sentiment around asylum seekers continues to influence policy decisions. The ongoing debate about how best to manage and integrate asylum seekers within the UK is likely to remain contentious, particularly as the next election approaches.
Why it Matters
This shift in accommodation policy is not just a financial measure; it reflects a broader struggle to balance humanitarian obligations with public concerns over immigration. The government’s actions will have far-reaching implications for both asylum seekers and local communities, shaping the future of the UK’s immigration landscape. As the situation evolves, it will be essential to monitor how these policies affect both the individuals seeking refuge and the communities impacted by their integration.
