Overview
- A TaxPayers' Alliance analysis estimates total asylum-related social care spending rose from £299 million in 2019–20 to £744 million in 2024–25, covering interpreters, housing, education and healthcare.
- Official records cited in coverage show a narrower adult social care line increasing by 165% over the same period, from £50.6 million to £133.9 million.
- The research reports children's asylum social care spending at £287 million in 2024–25, up 15% in real terms from £249 million in 2019–20.
- Per-household costs vary widely, with City of London at about £400 and Islington around £133 in 2024–25, compared with an average of £34 across local authorities.
- A government spokesperson rejected the £744 million estimate and said asylum support costs have fallen by nearly £1 billion since the general election, citing moves to toughen the system and overhaul funding.