Local Councils Urged to End Costly Afghan Hotel Stays
Local councils face mounting pressure to find permanent homes for Afghans still stuck in temporary hotels. These costly stays are draining taxpayers’ pockets by around £1 million a day.
Government Pledges £285 Million to Kickstart Resettlement
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer MP, who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, demanded councils make full use of the government’s £285 million re-housing support package. The fund covers deposits, rent top-ups, furniture, and vital advice for those living in bridging accommodation.
Mercer said:
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Afghans who have come to the UK under our resettlement schemes.
But hotel accommodation must end – it’s unfair on Afghans unable to put down roots and unfair on the taxpayer footing the bill.”
“We’ve put in place extensive support so local authorities can help Afghans move into permanent homes.”
Landlords Asked to Pitch In
The government is calling on landlords nationwide to back the ‘national effort’ by offering properties through local councils or the dedicated Afghanistan Housing Portal. Thousands of Afghan arrivals possess indefinite leave to remain, work rights, healthcare access, and public funds eligibility — making them ready tenants.
Time to Act: Thousands Still Living in Hotels
- Over 21,000 Afghans have been welcomed under UK resettlement schemes since 2021.
- Many remain in temporary hotels, a costly and unsustainable stopgap that hinders integration.
- Caseworkers have been deployed to every bridging hotel to offer personalised housing advice.
- Local authorities receive £7,100 per person, allowing flexible use of funds based on local needs.
- Some councils match the funding with deposits, rent support, and furniture.
Since April, the government has moved hundreds out of hotels and into settled housing. Still, council engagement remains patchy. Mercer insists those in bridging accommodation must actively search for homes using the support available, including a tailored housing portal.
The government says a small number of Afghans will get short-term contingency stays, especially where health or transitional needs require it. Local authorities will manage this carefully.
The message is clear: the days of expensive, temporary hotel stays must end. Afghan families deserve proper homes. And taxpayers deserve better value for money.
