Asylum hotels dilemma: The woman with a bold idea to solve it

"That's why this idea has currency. It is very encouraging local authorities appear to want to work with the government."

"The Home Office insists the government inherited "an asylum system in chaos" and that it has reduced the backlog of claims by 24%, returned 35,000 people "with no right to be here", and cut hotel spending by over half a billion pounds."

"If the government can meet its pledge to close the asylum hotels, the prize would be saving of £1bn per year, according to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. But failure would give the government's main opponent, Reform, a big stick with which to beat it, at the next election. This issue could help decide the outcome."

There is a contract break point next year in the 10-year deals with three asylum housing providers that presents an opportunity to change approach. John Perry says the idea has currency and that local authorities appear willing to work with the government. Kate Wareing's plan risks taking too long to help meet a 2029 deadline. The Home Office says it inherited "an asylum system in chaos" and reports a 24% reduction in the claims backlog, 35,000 returns of people with no right to be here, and cuts to hotel spending exceeding £500m. The Home Office is exploring sustainable, cost-effective, locally led sites, and the Chancellor says closing asylum hotels could save £1bn per year, while failure could boost Reform and affect the next election.

Read at BBC News