Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Paragraph: 55
We welcome the additional support that providers have told us that they are giving to...
Recommendation
We welcome the additional support that providers have told us that they are giving to their service users, specifically those who need to self-isolate, during this time. Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (Coronavirus): institutional accommodation 55 Nonetheless we have heard evidence that not all service users are receiving the support they require from providers, with some particularly vulnerable individuals reporting that they are unable to self-isolate as a result. We urge all accommodation providers to ensure that no individual in their accommodation is placed in the precarious position of being unable to self-isolate or shield due to difficulties accessing basic necessities such as nappies for their children, food, toiletries and cleaning equipment.
Paragraph Reference:
55
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.