Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to end the government's legal duty to support all destitute asylum seekers, in a significant policy shift aimed at closing more asylum accommodation hotels.
Targeted Withdrawal of Support
According to sources, Ms Mahmood intends to begin removing support and evicting people from hotels in the spring. The policy, first reported by the i newspaper, will target specific groups. These include asylum seekers who could support themselves financially but choose not to, those who have a right to work, individuals who break the law or work illegally, and those who refuse an order to leave the UK.
This move is expected to affect thousands of the 111,651 people currently receiving payments or accommodation from the government. However, officials note that many will likely remain eligible for support.
Progress on Hotel Closures and Crossings
The Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer is attempting to demonstrate tangible progress on two key pledges: deterring small boat crossings and reducing the asylum bill. Ms Mahmood is said to expect further hotel closures by April.
Latest figures show that around 36,000 asylum seekers were housed in hotels at the end of September. The Home Office states that fewer than 200 hotels are now in use, down from a higher peak.
In 2025, some 41,472 people crossed the Channel in small boats. This was the second-highest annual total on record, though lower than the 2022 peak of 45,774 crossings. So far in 2026, crossings have been minimal, with just 32 people arriving in a single boat on January 5.
Broader Policy Considerations
The i paper reports that other policies are under active consideration. These include finding alternative accommodation such as military barracks or houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The government is also looking at expanding the "one-in, one-out" deal with France and striking a new agreement with Germany.
In a notable development, asylum seekers from Syria could face removal to their home country. The government now deems it safer following the fall of the Assad regime at the end of 2024.
A Labour source characterised the Home Secretary's approach, stating: "The Home Secretary is a woman in a hurry. She is working tirelessly to introduce these reforms to restore order and control to our borders."
