Asylum Seeker Hotel Accommodation Rises by 8% Under Labour

Strategic Insights -

Asylum seekers being temporarily housed in UK hotels have seen an 8% increase under the Labour government, according to the latest data published as part of the quarterly immigration statistics. This comes amidst a High Court judgment that has led to the removal of over 100 asylum seekers from a hotel in Essex, prompting concerns about the capacity to accommodate those in need. The leader of Bristol City Council, Tony Dyer, has stated that his administration will continue to provide sanctuary and support to asylum seekers, emphasizing the city's commitment to being a place of safety for those seeking refuge.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of asylum seekers housed in UK hotels has risen by 8% under Labour, reaching 32,059 by the end of June, up from 29,585 at the same point last year.
  • The Labour government has pledged to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by the end of this parliament, which would be 2029, but has faced criticism for the current increase in numbers.
  • Bristol City Council has stated that it will continue to support and provide sanctuary to asylum seekers, emphasizing the city's commitment to being a place of safety.
  • The High Court judgment has resulted in the removal of over 100 asylum seekers from a hotel in Essex, highlighting concerns about the capacity to accommodate those in need.
  • The Government is grappling with record numbers of people crossing the Channel, with over 28,000 people having arrived in the UK in 2025 so far.
  • Other data published yesterday showed Government spending on asylum in the UK is down 12%, with total costs standing at £4.76 billion in the year ending March 2025.

Statistics:

  • 32,059 asylum seekers were housed in UK hotels by the end of June, an 8% increase from the same point last year.
  • Brent, Northamptonshire had the highest number of asylum seekers in hotels as of June 30, 2025, with 1,474.
  • The number of asylum seekers housed in hotels in Bristol decreased from 892 to 802 between March and June 2025.
  • Over 28,000 people have arrived in the UK in 2025 so far after crossing the English Channel.
  • Government spending on asylum in the UK is down 12%, with total costs standing at £4.76 billion in the year ending March 2025.
  • The Refugee Council has praised Labour for "bringing the asylum system back from the brink of collapse", saying quicker asylum decisions mean refugees can begin to rebuild their lives sooner.

Sources:

  • "New asylum seeker hotel data highlights continued pressures" by The Times (no date)
  • "Bristol City Council: 'We will continue to support and provide sanctuary to asylum seekers'" by ITV News (August 9, 2025)
  • "Government spending on asylum in the UK is down 12% despite rising numbers of asylum seekers" by The Telegraph (August 10, 2025)
  • "Record numbers of people crossing the Channel as Government grapples with asylum crisis" by The Guardian (August 11, 2025)
  • "New figures reveal surge in asylum seeker numbers in hotels" by The Mail on Sunday (August 10, 2025)