Shabana Mahmood reported to end duty to support some asylum seekers and close more hotels

The Home Secretary is reported to plan removing government support for some asylum seekers and to begin evictions from hotels in the spring; further hotel closures are expected by April.

Shabana Mahmood is reported to be planning a change to the government’s duty to support some destitute asylum seekers. The move is said to target people who could support themselves, have a right to work, break the law or refuse an order to leave. Reports say evictions from hotels would begin in the spring and further hotel closures are expected by April. The changes are presented as part of wider efforts to reduce migrant crossings and lower the asylum bill. Key details: - Reports say the Home Secretary intends to remove support for some asylum seekers and to start evicting people from hotels in the spring. - Around 36,000 asylum seekers were recorded as housed in hotels at the end of September, and the Home Office has said fewer than 200 hotels are in use. - Reports note about 111,651 people were receiving payments or accommodation from the government, and that removing support could affect thousands of those people. - Other measures reported as under consideration include alternative accommodation options and international arrangements; removal of some people from Syria was also reported as being considered. Summary: Reported changes would narrow the duty to support some destitute asylum seekers and lead to hotel evictions in the spring, with further hotel closures expected by April. The measures are described as aimed at reducing small boat crossings and the asylum bill. The precise scope and operational details have been reported but are undetermined at this time.