The British taxpayer is now footing an astonishing £8.2 million bill every single day to house asylum seekers in hotels, with new figures revealing this controversial practice has actually increased since Labour took office.
Rising Costs Despite Government Promises
Official data released by the Home Office shows that despite repeated commitments to reduce reliance on expensive hotel accommodation, the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels has grown from 56,000 to over 58,000 since the general election. This represents a significant increase that contradicts the new government's pledge to tackle the issue.
The daily cost has now reached £8.2 million, up from approximately £7 million earlier this year, placing enormous strain on public finances. This dramatic increase comes as the Home Office continues to struggle with processing asylum applications and finding alternative accommodation solutions.
Breakdown of the Figures
The latest statistics reveal that as of mid-September, approximately 58,380 asylum seekers were being accommodated in hotels across the United Kingdom. This number includes individuals and families awaiting decisions on their protection claims.
Labour ministers have inherited a system described as "broken" by immigration experts. The previous Conservative government had initiated several schemes to address the issue, but the current administration now faces the reality of managing these escalating costs while attempting to reform the system.
Local authorities nationwide continue to express concerns about the impact of hotel use on their communities and resources. Many councils have reported strain on local services, including healthcare and education, though they acknowledge their legal obligation to support those seeking asylum.
Government Response and Future Plans
Home Office ministers have defended their approach, arguing that they inherited a deeply problematic system requiring comprehensive reform. They point to ongoing efforts to clear the backlog of asylum cases and develop more cost-effective accommodation solutions.
"We are working tirelessly to address this issue," a government spokesperson stated. "Our focus remains on processing claims efficiently while ensuring we meet our international obligations and treat people with dignity."
The government has outlined plans to expand the use of former military bases and other large-scale accommodation centres to reduce reliance on hotels. However, these proposals have faced legal challenges and local opposition in several areas, slowing their implementation.
Immigration analysts suggest that without significant progress in processing applications and developing alternative accommodation strategies, hotel use and associated costs are likely to remain high for the foreseeable future. The situation represents one of the most pressing challenges facing the new administration's immigration policy.
