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UK Asylum Seekers in Private Rentals Surge to 68,538

2/27/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Starmer Aims to Reduce Asylum Costs

As of December 2025, 68,538 asylum seekers lived in privately rented homes, up 7,000 since July 2024, according to the UK Home Office.
Hotels housing asylum seekers total 30,657, the lowest in 18 months.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer aims to eliminate migrant hotels by 2029 to cut asylum costs, which peaked at £5.4 billion in 2024.

Left

Safe Passage Challenges Policy

The UK Home Office suspended the right of refugees to reunite with families, prompting Safe Passage International to challenge it as unlawful and harmful to children's welfare.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defends the changes, claiming the asylum system is out of control.
Recent data show a drop in asylum seekers housed in hotels.
In 2025, asylum applications totalled 100,625, with concerns about policy impact on refugees.

History

Historical Context

In 2024, the UK experienced a record 100,625 asylum applications, prompting policy changes amid rising costs of £5.4 billion for housing 68,538 asylum seekers. This situation echoes the principles of the 1951 Refugee Convention, highlighting ongoing tensions between immigration control and humanitarian responsibilities, as debates continue over the welfare of vulnerable populations and the legality of the controversial Rwanda asylum plan.

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Starmer Aims to Reduce Asylum Costs

As of December 2025, 68,538 asylum seekers lived in privately rented homes, up 7,000 since July 2024, according to the UK Home Office.
Hotels housing asylum seekers total 30,657, the lowest in 18 months.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer aims to eliminate migrant hotels by 2029 to cut asylum costs, which peaked at £5.4 billion in 2024.

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