The Prime Minister expressed frustration and anger over the state of the Home Office after criticism of asylum hotel management.
A report by the Home Affairs Committee revealed that billions of pounds went to waste because of mismanagement of asylum accommodation. Consequently, the committee urged ministers to create a clear plan to reduce reliance on hotels and fix the chaotic system.
Committee chairwoman Dame Karen Bradley said the Home Office “isn’t fit for purpose” and recommended splitting it into two departments.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer blamed previous governments for the backlog, noting that years of neglected claims caused the current crisis. Furthermore, he added that the Labour Government now processes claims faster and increases removals of those without legal status.
“I am frustrated and angry we inherited such a mess,” Starmer said. “The scale of the problem is enormous.”
Downing Street confirmed it does not plan to break up the Home Office despite the committee’s recommendations.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch admitted past mistakes but defended Conservative policies, including the Rwanda scheme. She argued that Labour’s removal of the Rwanda plan reduced deterrence for small boat crossings. Additionally, she criticized the lack of alternative measures.
The Home Affairs Committee highlighted the Home Office’s missing long-term strategy for asylum accommodation. They also criticized repeated cost-cutting measures.
Home Office spending for 2019-2029 has jumped from £4.5 billion to £15.3 billion due to the pandemic and more arrivals by small boat. Therefore, the report concluded that the Home Office faced a difficult environment but failed to respond effectively to growing pressures.
Labour pledged to end asylum hotel use by 2029. However, the committee warned that promises without a clear plan could undermine public trust.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the government will announce progress within weeks and pointed to modular buildings as a potential solution. Moreover, he explained that former military bases could become large sites to house asylum seekers, fully replacing hotels.
“The intention is to get this right and move away from hotels,” Reed said. “We aim to provide safe and suitable accommodation.”
As the government develops its plan, asylum hotel reform remains a priority to ensure fairness, efficiency, and better value for taxpayers.
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