The Labour government is set to close dozens of hotels used to accommodate asylum seekers and relocate residents into former military barracks, according to media reports. The move, which the Home Office is expected to announce within days, is being framed by ministers as a measure to take greater control of the so-called "small boats" crisis.
Reports said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will outline plans to end the use of commercial hotels and expand the use of military accommodation already housing asylum seekers. Official figures released in recent weeks showed asylum claims at a record high, and ministers have pointed to a year-on-year rise in the number of people being housed in hotels.
Two former military bases — MDP Wethersfield in Essex and Napier Barracks in Folkestone — are already in use to house asylum seekers. Those sites were brought into use under the previous Conservative government; campaign groups and some charities criticised the decision at the time, describing the barracks-style accommodation as prison-like and raising concerns about welfare and privacy.
The reported policy shift marks a reversal of plans Labour drew up last year to end the use of the two barracks. Officials told media outlets the party now intends to expand the approach despite that earlier position. Government sources and critics have offered differing characterisations of conditions in hotels, with some politicians and commentators arguing taxpayers were funding an unduly comfortable lifestyle for some migrants and charities warning of the damaging effects of large, institutional settings.
Ministers have said the move to consolidate asylum accommodation in a smaller number of sites will allow for more consistent management, faster processing and better oversight of services. The Home Office declined to comment on the specifics ahead of the expected announcement, while local authorities and providers have been preparing contingency plans for potential transfers of residents.
Humanitarian organisations previously expressed alarm over the use of former barracks, citing problems including inadequate facilities and a lack of privacy for families. Legal and medical advocates have also raised concerns about the suitability of sites that were not designed for long-term civilian housing.
The policy proposal comes amid ongoing political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Labour over immigration. The government has faced sustained criticism from opposition parties and sections of the media over rising asylum claims and the costs associated with hotel accommodation. Ministers have argued that consolidating services will reduce costs and address public concern about border crossings, while campaigners have urged humane, community-based alternatives and faster asylum decisions.
It remained unclear how many hotels would close immediately, how transfers would be scheduled, and what safeguards would be put in place to ensure adequate healthcare, education and legal support during relocations. Local councils, charities and the Home Office will play roles in coordinating moves if the plan proceeds as reported.
The expected announcement will be watched closely by advocacy groups, local authorities and opposition parties. Any formal policy change is likely to prompt legal scrutiny and calls for guarantees on living conditions, case processing times and access to support services for people seeking asylum.