Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 50
Accommodation providers must urgently put in place measures to enable greater social distancing and effective...
Conclusion
Accommodation providers must urgently put in place measures to enable greater social distancing and effective hygiene practices. We are appalled at reports that service users have not been universally provided either with laundry facilities, a generous supply of cleaning products, soap and sanitiser, or with financial support to enable them to access these essentials. It is difficult to conceive of any provision which is more fundamental to public health during the pandemic. The Home Office must immediately take steps to ensure these essentials are provided to all service users, whether in initial, contingency or dispersed accommodation. It must write to us confirming the steps taken, and how it will monitor the ongoing provision of these supplies, within 4 weeks of receiving this report.
Paragraph Reference:
50
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government expects the highest standards from our contractors and accommodation providers are monitored closely to ensure they continue to meet these standards. This includes following appropriate Public Health guidelines to ensure the safety of their staff and those they accommodate. In response to COVID-19, we have been in daily contact with our accommodation providers to ensure that they are meeting their contractual requirements and that together we are working to ensure that the people in our care are receiving all the support they need. households to comply with public measures on social distancing and self-isolation. This has included food parcels and other items for people who are unable to leave the house, provision of telephony for those who are isolating and do not have a telephone, as well as increased welfare contact for those who are isolating. Guidance has been issued to all service users in a range of languages relating to hygiene, washing hands, social distancing, coronavirus symptoms and what to do if they become symptomatic. For those who are housed in full board accommodation all cleaning items and laundry services are provided free of charge. There is visible guidance in relation to self-isolation, marking on floors to assist social distancing, sanitation and hygiene stations as well as staggered mealtimes and meals taken to rooms for those isolating. For those in Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (coronavirus): institutional accommodation: 5 dispersal accommodation service user essential living needs, including for cleaning and sanitary items are met through a weekly cash allowance which has been increased during the pandemic. or support to contact the Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility service, operated by Migrant Help, to report the issue in order that it can be resolved. This is available 24-hours a day. We also monitor and analyse matters raised through this service to enable continuous improvement across the system.