The number of hotels housing asylum seekers in the UK has fallen to 185 after 11 were closed, according to government figures released this week. Officials say the reduction is partly due to relocating individuals to alternative accommodations, including repurposed military barracks.
The move comes amid sustained political pressure to reduce reliance on hotels, which cost taxpayers an estimated £8 million per day at their peak. A Home Office spokesperson stated the closures reflect ‘progress in our strategy to house asylum seekers in more suitable and cost-effective facilities.’
Since 2022, the UK has used over 400 hotels to accommodate asylum seekers during processing delays. The government has faced criticism from local councils and residents about the policy’s impact on communities. Analysts note the current reduction represents a modest 6% decrease from January’s 196 operational hotels.
‘While any reduction is welcome, we’re still seeing tens of thousands housed in temporary accommodations,’ said immigration policy researcher Dr. Emma Whitfield. ‘The fundamental issue remains processing times averaging 18 months.’
Looking ahead, officials aim to close 50 more hotels by September, though legal challenges to barracks housing and limited alternative sites could complicate these plans.