Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 37
37
Acknowledged
Home Office failed to assess and mitigate local impacts of asylum accommodation delivery
Conclusion
The Home Office has failed to properly consider the impacts of its approach to the delivery of asylum accommodation on local areas and to engage early with local partners to understand what these impacts might be. It is inexplicable that the Home Office has placed no obligation on providers to assess impacts on local areas. Failures to identify and mitigate impacts, compounded by the disproportionate distribution of accommodation, has led to some local services experiencing unsustainable pressures. This failure to recognise broader impacts can be seen in the pressures experienced by local authorities in areas where significant numbers of asylum seekers have received positive decisions and subsequently become homeless. These pressures have been exacerbated by inconsistent communication and inadequate data sharing, which has undermined the ability of local partners to respond effectively to the placement of asylum seekers in their area. (Conclusion, Paragraph 165)
Government Response Summary
The Home Office states that impacts on local areas are actively considered using an indexing model that accounts for local pressures. It launched a pilot to extend the move-on period for asylum seekers and has issued guidance to all providers on appropriate data sharing to ensure a consistent approach with local partners.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The impact of asylum accommodation on local authority areas is actively considered, particularly for dispersed accommodation, using an indexing model. This model determines the required level of dispersed accommodation in each local authority area, considering factors such as market availability, population size, and local pressures – for example, GP capacity Recognising the importance of evidence-based policy, the Home Office launched a pilot programme in December 2024 to temporarily extend the move-on period for individuals granted leave from asylum accommodation to 56 days. In September 2025, the pilot was amended to revert to a 28-day period for single adults (with some exceptions) and has since been extended in its current form until 31 January 2026. The Home Office is reviewing the findings from an independent evaluation that took place regarding the impact of this pilot. The evaluation has gathered insights from local authorities, devolved governments, service providers, and voluntary sector partners. The findings from the evaluation, alongside other information such as operational data and the impact of the pause to the pilot in the Summer, are being reviewed to help inform the longer-term approach which will be decided by Ministers. This measured approach will ensure that our future arrangements are sustainable and continue to meet our statutory duties while supporting those granted asylum effectively. The Home Office remains committed to ensuring that local authorities receive timely information about newly recognised refugees at risk of homelessness, enabling prompt homelessness assessments within statutory timeframes. In partnership with local authorities, health and education providers, and the police, the Home Office and its accommodation providers are dedicated to improving services for supported asylum seekers. Recognising the crucial role of data, all accommodation providers have been issued with guidance on appropriate data sharing – distinguishing between when personal data can be shared with third parties and when aggregated, non-personal information is more suitable for local partners. Our aim is to maintain a consistent approach across the UK, working collaboratively and pragmatically with local partners to facilitate access to essential services for supported asylum seekers. The Home Office continues to analyse the results of any pilot introduced, and it is important that the necessary time is taken to review evidence before making any longer-term policy decisions.