A recent study has recommended that the savings obtained from the closure of asylum hotels should be reinvested back into communities affected by the move to alleviate tensions. The study highlighted that asylum hotels have become a visible symbol of unfairness, leading to tensions and even violence in certain areas over the past couple of years. While most people are not against asylum seekers, the accommodation system has emerged as a contentious issue.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) proposed that the Government should provide benefits to communities that have hosted asylum hotels. Additionally, there are calls to reintroduce a fund similar to the one established during the Gordon Brown era to aid regions dealing with an influx of migrants in enhancing services and infrastructure.

Dr. Lucy Mort, who spearheaded the research, emphasized that not everyone vehemently opposes asylum seekers settling in their communities. She pointed out that asylum hotels exacerbate existing grievances in areas facing economic challenges, making them a tangible representation of perceived injustices.

The Government has committed to shutting down all remaining asylum hotels by 2029, with efforts to expedite the process. There are considerations to utilize military sites for housing asylum seekers. Dr. Mort suggested that communities hosting asylum hotels should be acknowledged and rewarded for their contributions.

The report also emphasized the need for clearer communication regarding asylum accommodations to dispel rumors and misinformation. It was noted that inadequate consultation with communities has fueled tensions. The study, based on discussions in six English regions, underlined the importance of swift actions to close asylum hotels and provide alternative temporary housing solutions for both asylum seekers and locals.

Marley Morris, an associate director at IPPR, stressed the necessity of transitioning from asylum hotels to community-based housing to foster long-term harmony among residents. The focus is on transforming the asylum system to address underlying issues and reduce tensions effectively.