The number of asylum seekers housed temporarily in UK hotels has fallen by half, according to official figures. The total stood at 16,021 at the end of June 2026, down 50% year-on-year from 32,041.
Lowest figure since 2022
Home Office figures show this is the lowest number since data was first reported in 2022. The total had climbed as high as 56,018 at the end of September 2023.
The Labour Government has pledged to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the end of this Parliament in 2029. Another 13 asylum hotels closed earlier this month as the Government continues moving people into alternative accommodation.
Fewer hotels in use
The total number of hotels in use is now below 160, having peaked at around 400 under the Conservatives. Ministers are increasing their use of more “basic” sites, including former military barracks.
Government response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the Labour Government is “restoring control” after the new figures were published. She said in a statement: “A little over two years into office and the asylum backlog is down, the number of asylum seekers in hotels is falling, illegal working arrests are at record levels, and deportations and returns are up markedly.
“Small boats numbers are also now falling, but we are not complacent and there is more we must do.
“That is why I have boosted enforcement on the French beaches and overseas and introduced new legislation to tackle the pull factors that draw people here through unsafe and illegal routes.
“This Government is restoring control at our border and fairness to the migration system.”
