Asylum seeker numbers in UK hotels rise as budget concerns grow
The number of asylum seekers temporarily housed in migrant hotels in the UK has reached 36,273, reflecting a 13 per cent increase since June, reports BritPanorama.
This surge comes amid concerns raised in the recent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) report regarding asylum spending as a potential risk to the economy. The report also indicated that maintaining financial balance within the Home Office is contingent upon fully ceasing the use of hotels for asylum accommodation.
As of September, there were 111,651 individuals receiving asylum support, which includes housing and financial assistance, representing a two per cent increase from the previous year. Migrant accommodation has become a pressing issue, with the proportion of individuals in supported housing rising by eight per cent compared to 2024.
Chris Philp, MP and Shadow Home Secretary, stated, “The days of mass low-skilled immigration must end. Britain cannot keep importing pressure on public services and expect the British people to absorb the cost.” He emphasized the Conservative Party’s commitment to introducing a binding annual cap on immigration and contradicting Labour’s proposals for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals.
Following the end of freedom of movement between the UK and the EU in January 2021, net migration from EU+ nations has significantly declined, attributed to stricter visa requirements and a reduced influx for work and study purposes. According to the Office for National Statistics, EU net migration has more than halved, leading to an overall decrease in immigration figures.
The OBR report outlined multiple threats to the fiscal landscape, underscoring welfare spending alongside asylum expenditures. As the Chancellor faced criticism for fiscal policies perceived to overly burden taxpayers, calls for accountability and reform within immigration policies intensified.
Recent statistics indicated net migration peaked at approximately 944,000 in 2023, following a revision of earlier estimates. These figures sparked debate about the economic impacts of rising legal migration versus illegal crossings, leading figures like Nigel Farage to assert that the legal influx poses greater economic challenges.
With significant changes on the horizon for UK immigration policy, the discussion is set to evolve as stakeholders evaluate the implications of these trends and proposed reforms.
The shifting landscape of asylum and immigration in the UK highlights a broader struggle between economic stewardship and social responsibility. As the government navigates these complex challenges, the conversation around immigration policy will remain crucial in shaping the nation’s future.
