Soaring Social Care Costs for Asylum Seekers Strain Local Budgets
Local authorities across the UK now spend nearly £134 million annually on social care for adult asylum seekers—a figure that has nearly tripled over the past five years, according to recently released financial data. This substantial increase coincides with renewed political debate about reforming the nation’s asylum policies.
Financial Pressure on Local Governments
Budget documents reveal that total council spending on adult asylum seeker support reached £134 million in 2024-25, up dramatically from £50.6 million during 2019-20. While below the peak of £191 million recorded in 2022-23, current expenditure remains significantly elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Costs for supporting asylum-seeking children present an even larger financial burden, exceeding £600 million annually. This includes £287.2 million for children with families and £322.6 million for unaccompanied minors—a category that has seen spending increase by 32% since its introduction in 2022-23.
Regional Disparities in Spending
Analysis indicates substantial geographic variations in asylum-related expenditures:
- Kent authorities spent £41.6 million in 2024-25, quadrupling since 2019
- Hampshire costs rose from zero to £23.9 million
- Manchester allocated £23.2 million
- Surrey saw spending surge from £1,243 to £22.6 million
Per-household costs range from £400 in City of London to £133 in Islington, compared to a national average of £34.
Components of Council Support
Local authority-funded assistance differs from Home Office provisions like accommodation and meals, instead covering:
- Interpretation and language services
- Healthcare access support
- Housing and education navigation
- Legal advice assistance
- Full care placements for unaccompanied children
Growing Calls for Systemic Solutions
Anne Strickland, a policy researcher, warned: “The escalating costs of asylum seeker social care represent another financial crisis for local governments, with taxpayers ultimately bearing the burden. Successive administrations have failed to address this issue adequately, leaving councils financially exposed amidst the ongoing migration challenges.”
Recent data shows total asylum-related social care spending grew 148% in real terms since 2019-20, reaching £744 million annually. With adult support costs increasing 165% and unaccompanied children’s care becoming the largest expenditure category, officials urge Whitehall to develop comprehensive solutions before municipal budgets reach breaking point.
