Fewer migrants housed in Warrington hotels but support claims rise

But the number of those residing in the town claiming support from the Government has risen.

Home Office figures show the number of migrants housed in hotels nationally has dropped 41 per cent across the UK, from 50,500 in June 2023 to 29,600 at the same point this year.

The figures reveal 161 migrants were being housed in hotels in Warrington in June – down from 188 a year earlier.

However, large numbers of migrants are still crossing the English Channel illegally on a daily basis.

Hotels in Warrington being used to accommodate migrants include Holiday Inn in Woolston and Fir Grove Hotel in Grappenhall, as well as the nearby Daresbury Park Hotel.

Paddington House Hotel was also being used to house migrants, however the Home Office confirmed in March that it would be ending its contract with the premises.

In total, 288 migrants were receiving a form of Government support in Warrington as of June – up from 256 in June 2023.

The national backlog of asylum applicants has remained steady since last quarter, even if it has dropped compared to a year earlier.

In total, 118,900 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of June.

This was down by 32 per cent from 175,500 at the end of June last year, but up slightly from the 118,300 waiting to be dealt with at the end of March.

A Home Office spokesman said the Government is taking steps to strengthen border security and stop channel crossings.

They said: “The Home Secretary has taken immediate action to clear the asylum backlog and enhance the Government’s immigration enforcement and returns capability, redeploying hundreds of staff to increase the removal of those with no right to be here.

“As announced, we have also recruited up to 100 new specialist officers at the National Crime Agency.

“They will work alongside our new Border Security Command to target, disrupt and dismantle criminal smuggling gangs making millions in profit.”