BREAKING: Number of asylum seekers in UK hotels drops to 16,021 - down by 50% in a year

Number of asylum seekers in UK hotels drops to 16,021 - down by 50% in a year The number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels stood at 16,021 at the end of June 2026, down 50% year-on-year from 32,041, stats show today The number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels is down by a half, official stats show. The figure stood at 16,021 at the end of June 2026, down 50% year-on-year from 32,041. It is the lowest figure since data was first reported in 2022, Home Office figures show. The total had climbed as high as 56,018 at the end of September 2023. The Labour Government has pledged to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the end of this Parliament - 2029. Another 13 asylum hotels closed earlier this month as Andy Burnham’s Government continues the process of moving people into alternative accommodation. The total number is now below 160 – having peaked at around 400 under the Conservatives. Ministers are increasing their use of more “basic” sites including former military barracks. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the latest stats showed the Labour Government is “restoring control”. She said in a statement: “A little over two years into office and the asylum backlog is down, the number of asylum seekers in hotels is falling, illegal working arrests are at record levels, and deportations and returns are up markedly. “Small boats numbers are also now falling, but we are not complacent and there is more we must do. That is why I have boosted enforcement on the French beaches and overseas and introduced new legislation to tackle the pull factors that draw people here through unsafe and illegal routes. “This Government is restoring control at our border and fairness to the migration system.” New data also showed Home Office spending on asylum in the UK stood at £4.36billion in 2025/26, down 8% from £4.76billion in 2024/25 and the second annual fall in a row. The total covers all Home Office costs related to asylum, including direct cash support and accommodation, plus wider staffing and other migration and borders activity. It does not include costs relating to the interception of migrants who travel to the UK across the English Channel in small boats. Spending hit a record high of £5.38billion in 2023/24. This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .