Recommendation 51

HM Government Acknowledged

We welcome the Committee’s recognition of the additional and extended support that the Home Office has provided to asylum seekers whose claims have been fully determined. otherwise no longer be eligible was undertaken in consultation with Public Health Agencies across the UK and in accordance with our Public Sector Equality Duties. We are grateful to local authorities across the UK for their part in supporting these efforts. As the committee notes, this additional demand has also placed pressure on the asylum accommodation system and meant that many new asylum seekers have had to spend far longer in temporary accommodation, such as hotels, than we want. As wider public health restrictions evolve, it is right that the asylum system respond to such changes to ensure we can continue to provide support to those who are entitled to it and enable people to move onto the next phase of their lives as quickly as possible. We recognise that this is a complex undertaking that must be delivered at pace in a safe and proportionate way. Following careful discussion and planning with Public Health Agencies, Local Authorities, other government departments and stakeholders, which included members of the voluntary and community sector, we have since August resumed cessations in a phased approach. support first. Cessation of support for those whose asylum claims have been refused, and who are appeal rights exhausted will resume in later phases only as individuals are able to take steps to return to their country of origin. This includes responding to local and national changes in health restrictions. We will continue to listen and work closely with stakeholders including the devolved administrations and those in non-government throughout the recovery period to ensure that every individual can move on from asylum accommodation safely in line with local health advice.