British taxpayers are footing an astronomical bill of £8.2 million every single day to house asylum seekers in hotels across the country, a Daily Mail investigation can reveal. The staggering figure exposes the immense financial burden of the ongoing migration crisis, fuelling widespread public and political anger.
The investigation found that more than 50,000 asylum seekers are currently being accommodated in over 400 hotels, with the cost per person averaging £160 per night. This arrangement, intended as a short-term solution, has morphed into a permanent, multi-million-pound drain on public funds.
A Nationwide Network of Accommodation
The scale of the operation is vast, with hotels being utilised from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. Major hotel chains, including budget-friendly options like Travelodge and Premier Inn, are housing migrants, often to the frustration of local residents and community leaders.
One of the most eye-watering contracts is with the four-star Great Hallingbury Manor hotel in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, which is receiving a reported £13,000 per day from the government.
Political Backlash and Broken Promises
The revelations have ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at the government and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The Conservative Party's pledge to 'stop the boats' and reduce the reliance on expensive hotel accommodations now rings hollow for many.
Critics argue that the policy is not only financially unsustainable but also deeply unfair to British citizens struggling with a cost-of-living crisis and lengthy waiting lists for social housing. The sight of migrants in hotels while homeless veterans and families remain in temporary hostels has become a potent symbol of a broken system.
Beyond the Financial Cost
The impact extends far beyond the balance sheet. Local communities near these hotels have reported increased pressure on GP surgeries, schools, and other public services. There is also a growing sense of social tension and neglect, with many feeling their concerns are being ignored by Westminster.
Despite government assurances that the use of hotels is a temporary measure, the continued influx of small boats across the Channel ensures that these facilities remain full. The promise to move migrants to alternative sites like former military bases and barges has been slow to materialise, further exacerbating the problem.
This investigation lays bare the true cost of the UK's asylum hotel policy, revealing a system in crisis that is costing taxpayers billions and testing the patience of the nation.
