UK Government Promises Progress on Ending Asylum Hotels Soon

The UK Government will soon announce significant progress on ending the use of hotels for asylum accommodation, according to Housing Secretary Steve Reed. Speaking on a recent radio programme, Reed confirmed that a strategy involving “modular” building techniques and the use of large sites, including military bases, is under discussion to completely eliminate reliance on hotels for housing asylum seekers.

This announcement follows a report published by the Home Affairs Committee on Monday, which criticized the Home Office for mismanaging asylum accommodation and wasting billions of pounds. The committee referred to the current system as “chaotic and expensive,” urging ministers to establish a clear plan to reduce the use of asylum hotels. The report highlighted that expected costs for Home Office accommodation between 2019 and 2029 have surged from £4.5 billion to £15.3 billion due to a significant increase in demand, particularly post-pandemic.

Reed emphasized the urgency of the situation while discussing the government’s intentions on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “You can use modular forms of building,” he stated. “That means it can go up much faster than would normally be the case, and there are planning processes that we can use to ensure that the planning system itself isn’t delayed.” He anticipates making an announcement on this matter within weeks, allowing the public to see tangible steps towards resolving the issue.

The Home Affairs Committee’s report stressed the necessity for a robust strategy to transition away from hotels. It warned that appealing to public opinion without a concrete alternative may lead to “under-delivery and consequently undermine public trust still further.” Reed acknowledged the need for a systematic approach, noting that the intention is to utilize former military bases as a viable option to house asylum seekers effectively.

Despite the government’s goals, MPs criticized the Home Office for not sharing a long-term strategy. The report pointed out that the department has repeatedly cut corners in response to growing pressures. Reed stated that the commitment to end hotel accommodation by 2029 is a priority, particularly as local communities express concerns over rising costs and the impact of asylum seekers on local resources.

In an effort to manage the current situation, Reed mentioned that the number of hotels in use has decreased by half since its peak. He stated, “We need to eliminate it entirely, and we’ll do that within the lifetime of this Government.” This pledge comes as the government faces increasing scrutiny regarding its handling of immigration and asylum processes.

In a related matter, Reed announced that a migrant who re-entered the UK after being sent back to France would be deported this week. The individual was detained on October 18, 2023, after claiming to be a victim of modern slavery. Reed described this as evidence that the system is functioning effectively, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance against unauthorized re-entries.

During an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Reed remarked, “The individual was removed from the country, paid a people smuggler to get him back in again, was apprehended, and now will be deported.” He acknowledged that while this incident may appear minor, it serves as a pilot for broader enforcement measures.

As the government aims to refine its approach to immigration, Reed outlined several objectives: to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers, prevent unauthorized crossings, expedite application processing, and remove those without legal rights to remain in the UK. He concluded by reiterating the need for continued efforts, stating, “We know it’s not job done yet.”

With the anticipated announcements on the future of asylum accommodation, many will be watching closely to see how the government addresses the pressing challenges ahead.