The number of asylum seekers housed in taxpayer-funded hotels has risen to more than 36,000—the highest level in nearly two years—according to new Home Office figures. Data show 36,273 migrants were in hotel accommodation at the end of September, up from 32,041 in June.
Overall, 111,651 people were receiving asylum support, an increase of almost 5,600 over three months, though still below the September 2023 peak of just under 124,000. The Home Office recorded 110,051 asylum claims in the year to September, 13% higher than the previous year and slightly above the 2002 peak, but marginally down on the year to June—an early sign the surge may be easing.
Separate ONS data showed net migration fell sharply to 204,000 in the year to June, down from 649,000 a year earlier.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said migration pressures remained high but insisted recent reforms would ensure newcomers “contribute and put in more than they take out.”
