The number of asylum seekers housed in hotels has increased by 8% since Labour took office, according to the latest government data. The most recent figures from the Home Office show that as of the end of June, there were 32,059 asylum seekers in hotels, up from 29,585 in June 2024.
Labour assumed power on 5 July last year, with Sir Keir Starmer pledging to put an end to «the expensive practice of using hotels to accommodate asylum seekers during this parliamentary term.» The data released on Thursday indicates a 43% decrease from the peak of 56,042 recorded at the end of September 2023.
Nevertheless, the total number of asylum applications since Labour took office has reached a record high for a 12-month period since records began in 2001. A total of 111,084 individuals applied for asylum in the year leading up to June 2025. This represents a 14% increase from 97,107 in June 2024. The previous record for a 12-month period was 109,343 in the year ending in March 2025, covering three quarters of Labour’s current term.
Migrants who arrived in the UK via small boats accounted for 39% of the total number of asylum seekers in the year until June. These figures come as councils across the UK contemplate following the lead of Epping Forest District Council. The council in Essex was granted a temporary injunction on Tuesday by the High Court to prevent asylum seekers from staying at The Bell Hotel. Epping Forest Council argued that the hotel’s owners lacked planning permission to house migrants.
Reform UK-led councils are exploring similar actions, while two Labour-run councils are considering it as well. Kemi Badenoch has encouraged Conservative-led councils to emulate Epping’s stance. Tory-led Broxbourne Council has announced that it is examining its legal options.
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