UK Closes 13 Asylum Hotels, Shifts to Larger Accommodation, and Sets New Appeal Decision Target

Current rules

Former military sites are being used or are being considered for temporary accommodation for asylum seekers to reduce reliance on hotels. The Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex, began accommodating single adult male asylum seekers aged 18 to 65 from 22 January 2026, with a phased approach to reach a full capacity of 540. The usage of this site has been extended until January 2030, subject to planning permission. Other sites, including MoD Barnham, Suffolk, MoD Bicester (site A), Oxfordshire, and MoD Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire, are being considered.

Overview

The UK Home Office has announced the closure of an additional 13 asylum hotels, contributing to the government's strategy to reduce the use of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers. This change, effective from 12 August 2026, also introduces a new 24-week target for deciding asylum and immigration appeals for those in accommodation and foreign national offenders, significantly cutting down on previous waiting times and aiming to accelerate case resolution across England.

What changed in the latest version

This policy change means that asylum seekers who would otherwise have no home will live in managed sites that can largely support themselves. This moves away from using hotels. For the affected single adult male asylum seekers, the policy sets out their living conditions. It also explains the support available on-site, such as healthcare and places for activities. Local authorities and communities near these sites must now talk with the Home Office about how the sites will operate and what effects they might have. Service providers like Clearsprings Ready Homes and the NHS will change how they work to provide services directly on site. This will reduce pressure on local community services. The extension of Crowborough Training Camp's use means it will continue to operate for some time.

Explained simply

Imagine a big camp that was used by the army, called Crowborough Training Camp. It's been used to house people who have asked for asylum (a safe place) in the UK. The government just announced that they plan to keep using this camp for asylum seekers for much longer, until January 2030. They also explained a bit more about how they're getting official permission for this longer use and mentioned what's happening with the local Cadet Forces who also use the area.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v3Effective 9 Sept 2026AnnouncementMedium impact
   Crowborough Asylum Accommodation Use Proposed for Extension to January 2030

   Follows v2 · UK Closes 13 Asylum Hotels, Shifts to Larger Accommodation, and Sets New Appeal Decision Target

   The Home Office will use former military sites as temporary homes for asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. This will reduce the number of asylum seekers staying in hotels. The Crowborough Training Camp in East Sussex started housing single adult male asylum seekers, aged 18 to 65, on 22 January 2026. The plan was to slowly increase the number of people there until it reached 540. The Home Office now plans to use this site until January 2030. This depends on getting the necessary planning permission. Other sites, such as MoD Barnham, Suffolk, and MoD Bicester, Oxfordshire, might also be used in the same way.

2. v2Effective 12 Aug 2026EffectiveHigh impact
   UK Closes 13 Asylum Hotels, Shifts to Larger Accommodation, and Sets New Appeal Decision Target

   The UK Home Office announced on 12 August 2026 that 13 more asylum hotels in England have closed, returning them to local communities. This action is part of the government's strategy to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers, moving them into larger, basic accommodation, including former military sites. This latest round of closures brings the total expected savings from this year's hotel exits to £224 million. Concurrently, a new 24-week target for deciding asylum and immigration appeals has come into force for those in accommodation and foreign national offenders, significantly reducing the previous average wait of 67 weeks.

Timeline

1. Announced

   9 Sept 2026

   On 9 September 2026, the UK Home Office issued an update to its guidance concerning asylum accommodation at military sites. The update focuses on the Crowborough Training Camp factsheet, clarifying that the site's use for asylum accommodation is extended until January 2030, pending appropriate planning permission. It also provides specific details regarding the planning route for this extension an

2. Takes effect

   9 Sept 2026

   Former military sites are being used or are being considered for temporary accommodation for asylum seekers to reduce reliance on hotels. The Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex, began accommodating single adult male asylum seekers aged 18 to 65 from 22 January 2026, with a phased approach to reach a full capacity of 540. The usage of this site has been extended until January 2030, subject to p

3. Announced

   12 Aug 2026

   The UK government has closed 13 additional asylum hotels, bringing the total number of operational hotels to less than 160. This move is part of a strategic shift to replace hotel accommodation with larger, basic sites, such as former military bases, aiming to save taxpayer money and restore local amenities. Concurrently, a new 24-week target has been introduced for deciding asylum and immigration

4. Takes effect

   12 Aug 2026

   The UK government is ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers, moving them into larger, basic accommodation like former military sites. As of 12 August 2026, less than 160 hotels remain in use. Additionally, a new 24-week target for deciding asylum and immigration appeals has been introduced for those in accommodation and foreign national offenders.