Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 46
46
Not Addressed
Home Office needs strategy for decentralised asylum accommodation, addressing challenges and opportunities
Recommendation
In principle, a decentralised model could provide a viable alternative to a centralised system that has simply not worked. A more localised approach could have a number of benefits, in particular enabling greater co- ordination between asylum accommodation and other services. Delivering such a system effectively will require resources, time and a clear strategy. Shifting to localised delivery would not by itself deal with the challenges inherent in the system, and could create new risks, such as increasing fragmentation, and exacerbate existing problems, such as poor central oversight. Fairness and equity, rather than cost, should be paramount 107 regardless of the system used. The Home Office remains ultimately responsible for the asylum accommodation system, regardless of who is leading on delivery on the ground. That should not change; but it must ensure it devotes the necessary resources to overseeing the system. If the Home Office chooses to pursue a more decentralised model for the delivery of asylum accommodation, it needs to develop a strategy for capitalising on the opportunities presented by decentralisation while addressing the considerable challenges. (Conclusion, Paragraph 198) 108
Government response summary AI-generated
The government reiterates its commitment to exiting all asylum hotels and is reviewing its long-term accommodation strategy, but does not address the recommendation about developing a strategy for a potential decentralised model or devoting resources to its oversight.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The Home Office works with local authorities and Strategic Migration Partnerships to address barriers to procurement, and takes an evidence based and pragmatic approach. Local authorities can provide feedback and local intelligence including issues with community cohesion on every single dispersed property before it is procured. The Asylum Accommodation Plans (AAPs) mean that procurement of Dispersed Accommodation is undertaken in a fair and equitable manner that is reflective of a number of social factors such as homelessness, availability of GPs and dentists etc. Regular regional governance meetings, offer valuable forums for the Home Office, Strategic Migration Partnerships, Local authorities and Accommodation providers to collaborate and jointly monitor procurement activity and progress against the AAPs. We anticipate that future contracts will be designed to provide stronger levers to direct providers and ensure compliance with distribution targets, but all actions will be strictly aligned with available funding and agreed priorities. Activity is currently underway to inform the future procurement, including a delivery model assessment, local authority engagement to test and refine the selected delivery model, market engagement and submission of a programme business case.
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