Govt to stop housing asylum seekers in 50 hotels – but up to 400 are still being used

The government will stop using 50 hotels for asylum seekers by January, Sky News understands.

Ministers are expected to make the announcement as they continue attempts to reduce the amount of money being spent on accommodation that houses people waiting for a decision on their applications.

But many hotels will still be in use – with reports putting this number at up to 400.

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The cabinet are meeting in Downing Street this morning and ahead of the gathering, immigration minister Robert Jenrick was asked by reporters if he would deal with the hotels situation today.

He replied: “I hope so.”

The government estimates about £8m is being spent each day on hotels for asylum seekers.

According to the House of Commons Library, a total of 47,500 people were in accommodation by the end of March – compared with 9,500 in October 2020.

The Conservatives have attributed this to the rise in small boat crossings in the Channel, and the fallout of the COVID pandemic.

Opposition parties say the Home Office’s growing backlog of unprocessed applications is to blame.

The government has introduced a small number of alternatives to hotels in recent months, including former military bases and the Bibby Stockholm barge – the latter of which will house up to 500 male asylum seekers.

However, the rollout has not been straightforward.

Local MPs and residents have opposed these sites – and asylum seekers had to be removed from the barge following a Legionella outbreak.