Why it matters: This significant change comes amid a national decrease in the use of hotels for accommodating asylum seekers, a practice that has sparked controversy and safety concerns.
By the numbers:
In June 2023, 198 asylum seekers were housed in Ipswich hotels, with 259 asylum seekers in the town receiving some form of government support
As of June 2024, that number has dropped to zero, with just 61 asylum seekers receiving any form of government support
The shift in Ipswich is more dramatic than the national trend, which saw a 41% decrease.
Zoom out: Across the UK, the number of asylum seekers in hotel accommodation has fallen from 50,500 in June 2023 to 29,600 in June 2024.
At the end of June 2024, 118,900 people were awaiting initial decisions on asylum applications nationally, down 32% from 175,500 in June 2023.
What they're saying: Imran Hussain, executive director of external affairs at the Refugee Council, said: "Hotels should never be used as accommodation, as people in asylum hotels are isolated, struggle with their mental health, and may be targeted by far-right attacks."
A Home Office spokesperson outlined government efforts:
"The Home Secretary has taken immediate action to clear the asylum backlog and enhance the Government's immigration enforcement and returns capability, redeploying hundreds of staff to increase the removal of those with no right to be here.
"As announced this week, we have also recruited up to 100 new specialist officers at the National Crime Agency who will work alongside our new Border Security Command to target, disrupt and dismantle criminal smuggling gangs making millions in profit."
The bottom line: While Ipswich has seen a significant decrease in asylum seekers housed in hotels, the national picture remains complex, with ongoing debates about accommodation, processing times, and work rights for asylum seekers.
