Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 46
46
Not Addressed
Home Office needs strategy for decentralised asylum accommodation, addressing challenges and opportunities
Recommendation
In principle, a decentralised model could provide a viable alternative to a centralised system that has simply not worked. A more localised approach could have a number of benefits, in particular enabling greater co- ordination between asylum accommodation and other services. Delivering such a system effectively will require resources, time and a clear strategy. Shifting to localised delivery would not by itself deal with the challenges inherent in the system, and could create new risks, such as increasing fragmentation, and exacerbate existing problems, such as poor central oversight. Fairness and equity, rather than cost, should be paramount 107 regardless of the system used. The Home Office remains ultimately responsible for the asylum accommodation system, regardless of who is leading on delivery on the ground. That should not change; but it must ensure it devotes the necessary resources to overseeing the system. If the Home Office chooses to pursue a more decentralised model for the delivery of asylum accommodation, it needs to develop a strategy for capitalising on the opportunities presented by decentralisation while addressing the considerable challenges. (Conclusion, Paragraph 198) 108
Government Response Summary
The government reiterates its commitment to exiting all asylum hotels and is reviewing its long-term accommodation strategy, but does not address the recommendation about developing a strategy for a potential decentralised model or devoting resources to its oversight.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
As outlined in the Asylum Policy Statement, exiting all asylum hotels as soon as possible is one of the Department’s top priorities, as it will contribute to removing the incentives which draw people to the UK illegally. Significant progress has already been made, reducing hotel usage from over 400 at their peak in the summer of 2023 to 197 in use as of 5th January 2026. For safety, security, and operational reasons, the department does not comment on individual hotels or the timing of closures. We will take a balanced and evidence-based approach towards making decisions about the locations that we will use and how we will exit hotels. We will continue to engage closely with local authorities as plans develop. We do not want to be in a situation where, without an alternative ready, we start exiting hotels before it is time to do so or publish timeframes that are unrealistic and do not account for fluctuations in demand. The Home Office is committed to deliver the Prime Minister’s commitment to end the use of hotels as asylum accommodation as soon as possible, and before the end of this Parliament. This is a complex programme of work that requires concerted cross-government effort and must be managed in an orderly and controlled manner. We will update the Committee of the progress in due course. We are reviewing our long-term accommodation strategy in light of the publication of the government’s recent Restoring Order and Control statement. The Home Office is working in collaboration with other government departments to deliver a range of accommodation sites, including military sites, that contribute to a more flexible estate. This will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate.