Asylum appeal backlog doubles in a year, Home Office statistics show

Home Office statistics reveal a significant increase in the asylum appeal backlog, nearly doubling to over 80,000 cases by the end of 2025. This rise contrasts with the 64,000 individuals awaiting initial asylum decisions. The growing backlog threatens the government's pledge to close asylum hotels by 2029, as those awaiting appeal are often housed in Home Office accommodation, including hotels. The average appeal processing time is now 63 weeks, and two-thirds of appeals result in the initial refusal being overturned. While the number of asylum seekers in hotels decreased slightly to 31,000 at the end of December, it remains higher than when Starmer took office. The Home Secretary has proposed new policies, including financial incentives for rejected refugees to leave and temporary refugee status, to reduce the number of people requiring Home Office housing.

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