Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Accepted in Part
Prioritise closure of unsuitable asylum hotels causing harm and significant pressure on services.
Recommendation
When planning the closure of the hotels, the Home Office should prioritise the closure of manifestly unsuitable hotels—such as those in remote areas and near limited infrastructure—that cause the most harm to their residents and place the most pressure on local services, and also the closure of hotels in areas that have experienced significant community cohesion issues. The Home Office should work with local partners to develop a prioritisation process to support the early closure of the least suitable hotels. (Recommendation, Paragraph 89) Communication with asylum seekers
Government Response Summary
The government committed to closing asylum hotels as soon as possible, with current usage reduced, and will coordinate closures with local partners considering various factors. However, it did not explicitly commit to developing a specific prioritisation process for the early closure of manifestly unsuitable hotels.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Home Secretary has announced that we will close asylum hotels as soon as possible, and by the end of this Parliament. This is a complex process that must be delivered through a controlled, managed and orderly plan of work. We are already making progress. As a result, hotel use has reduced from over 400 at its peak. As of 05 January 2026, there are 197. We are working to accelerate delivery by exploring the use of large sites, including military sites, as an alternative. we will close hotels, taking into consideration a range of factors. The closures and relocation of those accommodated will be coordinated and undertaken in partnership with local authorities and stakeholders, wherever possible, practical and feasible to ensure closures are managed responsibly, operational requirements and community impact and the welfare of those that are accommodated by the Home Office.