Overview

• Official data show 32,059 people were in hotels at the end of June, up 8% year on year but 43% below the 2023 peak.
• A High Court judge granted Epping Forest District Council a temporary injunction blocking use of the Bell Hotel, with about 140 residents due to leave by 12 September.
• Councils from multiple parties say they are exploring similar legal action after senior Conservatives encouraged challenges and Reform UK leaders backed bids.
• Contractors working for the Home Office have reportedly contacted property specialists for around 5,000 private units to rehouse up to roughly 20,000 people now in hotels.
• Home Office figures also show 111,084 asylum applications in the year to June, enforced removals up about 25% to 9,100, and asylum spending down 12% year on year.