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Home Office Misplaces 5,000 Asylum Seekers, £2.1bn Hotel Spend

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Home Office admits it cannot account for thousands of asylum seekers.
Public Accounts Committee MPs say the department has lost track of over 5,000 asylum seekers and lacks a long-term accommodation strategy.
The report notes £2.1 billion was spent on hotel contracts in 2024-25, questioning oversight.
Charities and opposition politicians call for investment in the appeals system, legal aid and a review of 30-month refugee status reviews to prevent destitution.

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Story summary

The Home Office admits it cannot account for thousands of asylum seekers.
Public Accounts Committee MPs say the department has lost track of over 5,000 asylum seekers and lacks a long-term accommodation strategy.
The report notes £2.1 billion was spent on hotel contracts in 2024-25, questioning oversight.
Charities and opposition politicians call for investment in the appeals system, legal aid and a review of 30-month refugee status reviews to prevent destitution.