Domesday Live

Why are asylum seekers housed in hotels?

The Home Office has a legal duty to house asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute while their claim is decided. When claims pile up faster than they are decided and there are not enough ordinary homes, hotels are used as the quickest available space, though they are the most expensive. The number in hotels has halved from its peak.

Why it happens

• A legal duty. People waiting for a decision are not generally allowed to work, so if they have nowhere to live and no money the government must provide housing.
• A big backlog of claims. More people claimed asylum than the Home Office decided on, so the number waiting rose to over 100,000 by 2022, and each needs housing for longer.
• Too little other housing. Shared houses and flats are limited by supply and local council agreement, so hotels filled the gap.
• Faster decisions reduce the need. As the backlog falls, fewer people need housing and the use of hotels can end.