Posted on Monday 27th October 2025
ian Cooper: "The squandering of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on costly hotels is nothing short of a disgrace.”
The Leader of Staffordshire County Council has branded the spiralling cost of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers a “disgrace”.
A report by the Home Affairs Committee said "flawed contracts" and "incompetent delivery" left the Home Office relying on hotels as "go-to solutions" instead of temporary stop-gaps.
The MPs said expected costs had tripled to more than £15bn and not enough had been done to recoup excess profits.
Ian Cooper, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
For far too long, hotels in the county and across the country have become the default accommodation for asylum seekers.
Hotels were block booked with no regard to the suitability of the accommodation, concerns of residents or the impact on local business and the economy.
Today’s report shows that this was ill-thought out from the start and the squandering of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on costly hotels is nothing short of a disgrace.”
In response, the Government said it was taking action by exploring the use of military bases and disused properties.
This year the county council raised concerns with the Government about the continued use of Staffordshire hotels without consultation with the council, communities and partners.