Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Accepted
Set clear communication standards for asylum accommodation providers, including minimum notice periods
Recommendation
We recommend that the Home Office sets clear standards for providers to communicate with asylum seekers about their accommodation and support, including minimum notice periods for moving asylum seekers to new accommodation. The department should regularly monitor provider practices to ensure these standards are being met and take corrective action where necessary. (Recommendation, Paragraph 94) 100 The Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility (AIRE) service
Government Response Summary
The government states that clear contractual obligations already require service providers to notify asylum seekers of moves with a minimum five-day notice, and these standards are monitored through departmental inspections and contract management meetings.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Section 4.2.2 of the AASC Schedule 2 of the Statement of Requirement sets out the contractual obligation of Home Office service providers to notify asylum seekers of any moves, which is underpinned by a service level agreement of at least five days. Our accommodation providers are clear on their contractual obligations and processes are in place when communicating with asylum seekers ahead of accommodation moves, and that all information requiring upcoming moves is understood. This is reviewed during inspections carried out by the Department. Additionally, all asylum seekers are provided with an induction booklet which sets out how the asylum process works, and they also have 24/7 access to Migrant Help for any further advice or complaints. As part of regular contract management meetings, service delivery managers will continue to ensure that service providers are meeting these contractual obligations. To deliver our ambition of exiting hotels before the end of the Parliament there will be a requirement to move asylum seekers into alternative accommodation to maximise estate utilisation. The contractual obligations of Home Office’s service providers will continue throughout this period.