Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Accepted in Part
Significant safeguarding failings persist in asylum accommodation with inadequate oversight
Recommendation
We are deeply concerned by the volume of evidence indicating significant safeguarding failings in asylum accommodation. While there are evidently pockets of localised good practice, the response to safeguarding concerns is inconsistent and often inadequate, leaving vulnerable people at risk of harm. We are particularly concerned that the Home Office does not currently have adequate understanding and oversight of vulnerabilities and potential safeguarding issues among asylum seekers it accommodates. While accommodation providers have safeguarding requirements, performance on safeguarding is not measured and failure to meet these requirements does not lead to financial penalties for providers. It is essential that the Home Office works to ensure that vulnerable people in its accommodation are safeguarded and that providers are upholding safeguarding standards. (Conclusion, Paragraph 120)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges safeguarding's importance, detailing a revised Safeguarding Framework (Aug 2025) and a Public Protection and Safeguarding Programme to improve oversight, but notes that contractual performance measures and auditing for financial penalties are currently 'under review for future development'.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.