THE NUMBER of people waiting for an initial decision on an asylum claim in the UK has dropped sharply, reaching its lowest level in more than five years, according to new Home Office figures.

There were 64,426 people awaiting an initial decision at the end of December 2025 — down 20% from 80,841 at the end of September and nearly half (48%) the 124,802 recorded a year earlier.

The backlog had previously peaked at 175,457 in June 2023. The latest total is the lowest since September 2020, when 60,548 people were waiting.

The number of applicants waiting more than 12 months for a decision also fell significantly, standing at 22,275 at the end of 2025. This compares with 45,094 a year earlier and a peak of 91,741 in June 2023.

Despite the reduction in the backlog, overall asylum applications remain historically high. There were 100,625 applications in 2025 — a 4% decrease from 104,764 in 2024 — but still the third-highest annual total since records began in 2001, and more than double the 45,537 claims recorded in 2019.

Migrants who arrived after crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 41% of all asylum claims last year, equivalent to 41,262 people. A further 11% (11,190) entered via other irregular routes, including concealed entry in lorries, shipping containers, or without valid documentation.

The Home Office said the figures demonstrated “real progress” in efforts to restore control over the asylum system.

A spokesperson said: “We have removed nearly 60,000 illegal migrants, numbers in asylum hotels are down, law enforcement action against people smugglers is at record levels and we are bearing down on the asylum backlog.

“But we must go further. The number of people crossing the Channel is too high, and too many hotels remain in use.

“That is why the Home Secretary is introducing sweeping reforms to tackle the pull factors drawing illegal migrants to Britain, and we are ramping up removals of those with no right to be here.”

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved its revenue budget for 2026-27, confirming a 4.9% increase in council tax alongside £9.6 million in spending reductions.

The agreed rise is lower than the originally proposed 6.5%, following a period of public consultation with residents, schools, businesses and other stakeholders across the county. The reduction was also made possible by a £5 million saving from the Dyfed Pension Fund employer contribution and additional funding from the Welsh Government.

Council tax currently raises around 17% of the authority’s income, with approximately 70% of the net budget funded through Welsh Government grants.

Cabinet Member for Resources Cllr Alun Lenny said the final budget reflected feedback gathered during the consultation process.

“The Budget Strategy approved at Full Council responds to the valuable feedback raised as part of the public consultation process and ensures, as far as possible, that service levels and standards are maintained,” he said.

He added that additional Welsh Government funding — almost £6.5 million — had improved the council’s financial position by nearly £3 million and removed a projected £3.5 million shortfall.

More than 1,200 people, including residents, school staff, town and community councils, unions, scrutiny committees and young people, responded to the consultation.

As a result, the final budget includes amendments totalling £850,000 and removes some previously proposed cuts.

Changes include the restoration of £160,000 for highways, a 50% reduction in the planned increase to school meal costs, and the removal of a proposal to close Pendine Outdoor Education Centre in 2027-28 to allow further feasibility work.

Savings affecting the Families Together Team have also been withdrawn.

The council said the budget also includes additional investment in property maintenance, the modernising education team, increased support for the Welsh language in education, and further investment in highways.

Call for politicians to treat financial wellbeing as a public health priority ahead of Senedd election

WALES cannot fix its growing health crisis without confronting the financial pressures facing households, a senior public policy figure has warned.

Fran Targett, a Bevan Commissioner and chair of the Welsh Government’s National Advice Network, says economic insecurity is driving poor physical and mental health outcomes across communities — and that the NHS will remain under strain unless the root causes are tackled.

She argues that financial wellbeing must be recognised as a core determinant of health, not simply a social issue.

“Health matters, and Wales cannot fix its long-term health challenges without confronting the economic realities that shape people’s daily lives,” she said.

Her intervention comes as health services across Wales continue to face waiting list backlogs, emergency care pressures and widening inequality in outcomes between communities.

Money worries damaging health

Targett said financial wellbeing — the ability to pay bills, cope with unexpected costs and feel secure about the future — directly affects both life expectancy and quality of life.

People struggling to afford essentials such as food, heating, rent and transport are more likely to experience chronic illness, mental distress and premature death, she warned.

Cold homes worsen respiratory conditions, while financial stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviours including smoking, alcohol misuse and gambling.

“Unless we address the financial insecurity that underpins so many of these issues, we will be treating symptoms, not causes,” she said.

She also highlighted stark inequalities affecting vulnerable groups, including social renters, lone parents, disabled people and those with long-term conditions.

Political action needed

Targett said Wales already has policy frameworks that recognise prevention and fairness, but warned that stronger political leadership is now required.

She called for closer alignment between health policy, housing, employment and financial support systems, arguing that improving financial resilience would reduce pressure on NHS services over time.

“As Wales approaches the Senedd elections, we have a choice — continue firefighting the consequences of poor financial wellbeing or finally confront the root causes,” she said.

She acknowledged that tackling health inequality may require difficult financial decisions, including increased investment, but said the long-term benefits would include healthier communities and a more sustainable health service.

Long-term benefits

Targett said building financial confidence and stability through education, workplaces and community support could lead to lower stress, stronger participation in society and better health outcomes.

“When people feel secure with their money, they are happier, participate more in their communities and are better able to make healthy choices,” she said.

Her comments add to growing debate about how Wales should tackle health inequality ahead of the 2026 Senedd election campaign, with increasing focus on prevention and the social causes of illness.