Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Acknowledged
Home Office lacked adequate oversight of major asylum accommodation subcontracting arrangements.
Conclusion
Stay Belvedere Hotels Ltd was operating as a major subcontractor from 2019 onwards, but the Home Office only became aware of issues with the company within the last year. It was only after these issues came to light that the Home Office identified that Clearsprings had not been providing an appropriate level of information about their major subcontractors. We have seen no evidence that the Home Office has maintained adequate oversight of subcontracting arrangements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 64)
Government Response Summary
The Home Office updated its Safeguarding Framework in August 2025 and established a new Safeguarding and Public Protection Programme. However, it states that specific contractual performance measures and wider auditing for subcontractors are outside the current scope of work and remain under review for future development.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Home Office recognises the critical importance of safeguarding within the asylum system and remains committed to continuous improvement in this area. While statutory safeguarding duties rest with other agencies, the Home Office plays an enabling role by ensuring risks are identified, escalated, and addressed through robust governance, contractual levers, and data-sharing arrangements. As part of this commitment, the Home Office has a safeguarding strategy that combines operational oversight, public protection, and strategic reform and will continue to engage with police, community partners and other key stakeholders on the matter. This commitment includes: • Safeguarding Framework Review: In August 2025, the Safeguarding Framework was updated to reflect the significantly altered asylum landscape since its introduction in May 2022. This revised framework strengthens transparency, consistency, and accountability across all Asylum Accommodation and Support contract providers, which the Home Office will review to demonstrate progress. • Public Protection and Safeguarding Programme: Established in response to recent challenges protests over the summer, this programme aims to provide a systemic approach to managing high- risk individuals and reducing harm to asylum seekers and the public. It seeks to improve communication and engagement with statutory partners to ensure appropriate action is taken to reduce risk. The future PPS function envisions a safe asylum estate, reducing offending and restoring public trust through proactive, effective service user management While some elements of the recommendation – such as contractual performance measures and wider auditing – are outside the current scope of work being undertaken, these areas remain under review for future development. The Home Office will continue to work closely with statutory and independent oversight bodies and accommodation providers to embed safeguarding into operational delivery rather than relying solely on reactive mechanisms. Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children