32,000 Migrants in UK Hotels as Asylum Bill Hits £4.76bn

More than 32,000 asylum seekers were living in hotels across the UK at the end of Labour’s first year in government, according to new Home Office figures.

Data released on Thursday shows that 32,059 people were in temporary hotel accommodation while awaiting decisions on their asylum claims — an 8% rise compared to the same period last year.

Government spending on the asylum system for 2024/25 reached £4.76 billion, down 12% from the record £5.38 billion in 2023/24.

The figures come shortly after the High Court ordered more than 100 asylum seekers to be moved from a hotel in Essex following a legal challenge by the local council. The ruling is expected to trigger similar challenges from councils nationwide, increasing pressure on ministers over where to accommodate asylum seekers.

While the current number of people in hotels is higher than under the Conservatives last year, it is slightly lower than the 32,345 recorded in March and remains well below the peak of 56,042 seen in September 2023.