Asylum Accommodation by Region: Where Are Hotels Being Used Across the UK?
Asylum accommodation is not evenly distributed across the United Kingdom. Some regions host a significantly larger share of asylum seekers relative to their population, while others have very few sites. This article examines the regional distribution and the factors that drive it.
The Dispersal Policy
Since 2000, the UK has operated an asylum dispersal policy designed to spread accommodation across the country rather than concentrating it in London and the South East. Under this system, local authorities can volunteer to accept dispersed accommodation in their area, receiving an Asylum Dispersal Grant from the Home Office in return.
In April 2022, the government introduced a "full dispersal" model, requiring all local authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales to participate. Previously, only around a third of councils had accepted asylum dispersal, creating significant geographic imbalances.
Despite this policy change, the legacy of uneven distribution persists. Hotels procured during the 2022 emergency were placed wherever rooms were available, which often meant areas with lower property costs and existing hotel capacity.
Regional Distribution
Based on Home Office asylum statistics (September 2024) and our tracking data, the distribution of asylum accommodation across UK regions shows significant variation. Of the approximately 133,409 people awaiting asylum decisions, the regional breakdown of supported accommodation is as follows:
222+
Hotel locations tracked
133,409
People in asylum system (Sep 2024)
~51,000
In hotel accommodation at peak
North West England
~18% of dispersalGreater Manchester, Liverpool, and Lancashire host some of the largest clusters of asylum accommodation in the country. The region accommodates approximately 10,800 asylum seekers in dispersed accommodation. Liverpool alone has over 2,500 in supported housing, making it one of the most active dispersal areas in England. The region has significant hotel capacity outside of peak tourist season, making it attractive for bulk procurement at lower nightly rates.
Yorkshire and the Humber
~15% of dispersalLeeds, Bradford, Sheffield, and Hull collectively host approximately 9,000 asylum seekers in supported accommodation. Bradford is one of the top five dispersal authorities nationally. The region was an early participant in the dispersal scheme and has maintained a high share of the national allocation. Former military sites like RAF Linton-on-Ouse were proposed as large-scale reception centres but faced legal challenges and community opposition.
London and South East
~12% of dispersalDespite being the primary arrival point, London hosts a smaller proportion of long-term hotel accommodation due to room rates averaging £150-250 per night compared to £80-120 in northern regions. Around 7,200 asylum seekers are in supported accommodation across the capital. The South East coast (Kent, Essex) handles intake processing at centres like Manston, which was designed for 1,600 but held over 4,000 in late 2022.
West Midlands
~13% of dispersalBirmingham and the surrounding area host approximately 7,800 asylum seekers in supported accommodation. Birmingham City Council is one of the largest dispersal authorities in England, with an estimated 3,200 in council-area placements. The region has established support infrastructure from years of participation in the dispersal programme, including healthcare access points and legal aid providers.
Scotland
~8% of dispersalGlasgow is the primary dispersal area in Scotland, hosting approximately 4,800 asylum seekers — around 85% of Scotland's total. Glasgow has had a dispersal contract with the Home Office since 2000 via the Mears Group. Other Scottish local authorities have been slower to accept dispersal, though the full dispersal model introduced in 2022 is gradually changing this distribution.
East Midlands
~9% of dispersalNottingham, Leicester, and Derby host approximately 5,400 asylum seekers collectively. The region saw significant hotel procurement during 2022-2023, particularly along major transport corridors. Several hotels in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire were converted to contingency accommodation during the backlog peak.
Wales and South West England
~7% of dispersalThese regions host approximately 4,200 asylum seekers in supported accommodation. Cardiff and Swansea are the main dispersal areas in Wales, while Bristol handles the majority in the South West. Rural areas in both regions have limited hotel infrastructure, which naturally restricts placement options. Wales has accepted proportionally more asylum seekers per capita than several English regions under the full dispersal model.
North East England
~6% of dispersalSunderland, Middlesbrough, and Newcastle host approximately 3,600 asylum seekers. Middlesbrough has one of the highest ratios of asylum seekers to local population in England — approximately 1 per 127 residents — which has prompted significant local debate. The region's lower property costs make it a common location for dispersal placements.
Note: Regional percentages are approximate and based on Home Office asylum statistics (September 2024) and House of Commons Library dispersal data. Figures include all forms of supported accommodation (hotels, dispersed housing, initial accommodation) and may vary as the government continues to close hotel sites.
Impact on Local Communities
The placement of asylum accommodation in local areas has raised concerns from communities, councils, and MPs across the political spectrum. Frequently cited concerns include:
- -Pressure on local services. GP surgeries, schools, and social services in areas with large numbers of asylum seekers report increased demand. The Asylum Dispersal Grant does not always cover the full cost.
- -Loss of hotel capacity. In tourist areas, the use of hotels for asylum accommodation removes rooms from the commercial market, affecting local tourism economies.
- -Community cohesion. Rapid, unannounced placements without local consultation have caused tension. The Home Office has faced criticism for failing to engage with communities before opening sites.
- -Housing market effects. In areas with existing housing shortages, the use of properties for asylum dispersal is perceived as competing with local housing need.
Explore the Data
Our interactive map shows every known asylum accommodation location in the UK, with cost estimates, bed counts, and source citations for each site. You can explore regional distribution yourself and verify the data against official sources.
View Interactive Map →Sources
- Home Office — Asylum and resettlement datasets (September 2024)
- National Audit Office — Investigation into asylum accommodation (2024)
- House of Commons Library — Asylum dispersal: local authority data (2024)
- Migration Observatory — Migration to the UK: Asylum and Refugees (2024)
- Migrant Hotel Tracker — Interactive map data (2025)