Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 49
49
Paragraph: 203
It is essential that lessons are learned from the dispersal from Urban House, and that...
Conclusion
It is essential that lessons are learned from the dispersal from Urban House, and that clear policies are put in place to ensure effective communication between providers and local authorities in the event of further outbreaks in asylum accommodation, and in respect of the dispersal of service users from one area to another.
Paragraph Reference:
203
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.