The number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels stood at 16,021 at the end of June 2026, down 50% year-on-year from 32,041. It is the lowest figure since data was first reported in 2022, Home Office figures show. The total had climbed as high as 56,018 at the end of September 2023.
Government response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said it showed her Government is “restoring control at our border and fairness to the migration system”. Ministers are increasing the use of more “basic” sites including former military barracks.
Hotel closures continue
The Labour Government has pledged to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the end of this Parliament. Another 13 such hotels closed earlier this month as Andy Burnham’s Government continues the process of moving people into alternative accommodation. The total number is now below 160 – having peaked at around 400 under the Conservatives.
Quotes from the Home Secretary
Responding to the latest figures, Ms Mahmood said: “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.”
