Home Office to speed closure of asylum hotels as Labour vows to end use by 2029

Independent.co reports the Home Office is set to accelerate the closure of migrant hotels this Spring, while Labour minister Yvette Cooper has unveiled a plan to close every asylum hotel "for good" and the party has pledged to end their use by 2029.

The strategy involves relocating asylum seekers to alternative accommodation such as army barracks, pop-up buildings and houses in multiple occupation, increasing removals from the UK and revoking housing and financial support for certain asylum seekers by replacing a legal obligation with discretionary power. The report notes a year-on-year increase in the number of asylum seekers housed in such accommodation, though recent figures show a decrease from a peak.

Ministers are also looking to expand the existing 'one in, one out' returns agreement with France and are optimistic about securing a similar deal with Germany to facilitate further removals. The Home Office acceleration this Spring and Labour's 2029 pledge set the timetable, while the report outlines planned relocation and removal measures.

Key Topics

Politics, Home Office, Yvette Cooper, Labour, Asylum Hotels, France