The United Kingdom has officially closed 13 more hotels previously reserved for asylum seekers. This move is a key component of the government’s strategy to move away from commercial hotel usage and return properties to their standard business functions, potentially stimulating local economies and tourism.
These recent closures bring the total number of asylum hotels currently in operation across the UK to under 160. This decision contributes to a projected savings of £51 million for taxpayers, bringing the total expected savings for the year to £224 million. Government officials report that total asylum accommodation expenses have decreased by nearly £1 billion since the 2024 general election.
At the height of the program in 2023, approximately 400 hotels were utilized to house applicants, costing roughly £9 million daily. To mitigate these expenses, the government is transitioning toward larger, more basic facilities, including repurposed military bases. The Home Office is currently evaluating three Ministry of Defence sites to house approximately 3,750 individuals and intends to extend the usage of existing sites like Crowborough and Wethersfield.
Immigration Minister Anna Turley stated that these reforms aim to replace a broken system with one that restores border control and fairness. Alongside hotel closures, the government is implementing faster processing timelines for asylum claims and appeals. By introducing a new 24-week target for case resolutions, the government hopes to drastically reduce the current 67-week average wait time, further lowering costs associated with taxpayer-funded housing.
