Bridgwater MP Ashley Fox has received assurances in Parliament that the number of hotels used to house asylum seekers will decrease by the end of March 2025.
Speaking during Home Office questions, Ashley raised concerns about the rising number of hotels being used for asylum accommodation, which has increased by six since the general election in July 2024.
Responding to his question, Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle confirmed that nine hotels are scheduled to close by March as part of the government’s strategy to reduce reliance on hotels. She stated:
“The Government is committed to reducing hotel use through reform of the asylum system, including streamlining asylum processing and establishing the Border Security Command to tackle people-smuggling gangs at source.”
Ashley Fox pressed for further clarification, asking:
“The Government’s new policy of smashing the gangs has enabled them to close seven asylum hotels, but unfortunately, they’ve had to open another 14. Could the minister tell us when the number of asylum seekers in hotel accommodation will be lower than when she took office?”
Dame Angela acknowledged the challenges, explaining:
“The issue can’t be solved overnight because of the size of the backlog... We are working very, very hard to close hotels. I just gave (Sir Ashley) the figures, it will be down. Nine more scheduled to close by the end of March, and there’s been a net increase of six, so by the end of March there will be fewer.”
