However, the number of available beds and support services remains far from sufficient to meet the influx. This will push pressure onto local communities and the private rental sector, increasing the likelihood that asylum seekers will be dispersed into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Home Office data shows that the UK received 111,000 asylum applications in the year to June 2025 – a 14% increase on the previous year, and higher than the previous peak in 2002. Many people ask: where does the money for asylum seekers and refugees actually come from? Is it funded directly by taxpayers’ contributions?