Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 47
47
While Mears affirms that the dispersal of individuals from Urban House on 10 July without...
Conclusion
While Mears affirms that the dispersal of individuals from Urban House on 10 July without testing, even after cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the facility, was in line with the national system, we are deeply concerned that the company acted in this manner apparently without thought for the consequences of dispersing these individuals into other communities, and without consulting the receiving authorities. Mears’ commitment to participate in a lessons learned exercise is helpful. However this is not the first time during the pandemic that it has been reported that Mears has moved large numbers of asylum seekers from one location to another in a rush, without consulting local authorities or ensuring proper support is in place, and we are consequently very concerned about the quality of planning and decision making within the group. (Paragraph 202) Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (Coronavirus): institutional accommodation 61
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
18 Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (coronavirus): institutional accommodation: The Government expects the highest standards from all of our contractors and we work closely with asylum accommodation providers to monitor and ensure they continue to meet these standards. Throughout the recent pandemic, all providers have continued to react quickly in challenging circumstances to ensure that statutory duties are met and asylum seekers continued to be safely accommodated in accordance with public health advice. In respect of the necessary urgent movement of service users from Urban House in early July, the Home Office and Mears have met with the Director of Public Health for Wakefield to discuss what lessons can learnt. Mears have apologised for the shortcomings in their communications with stakeholders during these moves and we are taking appropriate action to address and support all our providers in their management of future dispersals and potential outbreaks.