Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Fourth Report: Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (Coronavirus): institutional accommodation
Home Affairs Committee
HC 562
Published 28 July 2020
Government response
Fifth Special Report: Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (coronavirus): institutional accommodation: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report · published 13 Nov 2020
Recommendations & Conclusions
22
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 78
We are concerned to learn that key stakeholders have reported a lack of information from...
Conclusion
We are concerned to learn that key stakeholders have reported a lack of information from the Home Office and its providers about revisions in contractual expectations of accommodation providers during the pandemic. The pandemic has impacted hugely on asylum seekers …
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Government Response Summary
The government states they have been informing stakeholders and will continue to do so, while providers have made temporary amendments to ensure safety. They will also continue to work with partners to keep translated COVID-19 guidance updated and available to service users.
Home Office
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23
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 78
We urge the Home Office and its providers to send a memorandum to key stakeholders...
Recommendation
We urge the Home Office and its providers to send a memorandum to key stakeholders outlining any revisions to providers’ contractual obligations since 1 March. This memorandum should be issued to the Home Office’s single point of contact, all strategic …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that strategic stakeholders are informed of changes in the asylum accommodation system and will continue to be, but does not commit to sending a specific memorandum outlining contractual revisions by the requested deadline.
Home Office
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24
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 83
While we welcome the communication of Covid-19 guidance by providers to their service users, we...
Recommendation
While we welcome the communication of Covid-19 guidance by providers to their service users, we urge all providers to check regularly with their service users, and with wider stakeholders, to ensure that they are receiving up to date and timely …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of communication and commits to continuing to work with partners to ensure translated public health COVID-19 guidance is kept up to date and made available to service users.
Home Office
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33
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 141
In order to achieve an equitable and sustainable UK-wide dispersal system, the Home Office and...
Recommendation
In order to achieve an equitable and sustainable UK-wide dispersal system, the Home Office and its providers must give due regard to the acute financial and capacity constraints currently placed on dispersal authorities, many of which are grappling with even …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the financial constraints faced by local authorities and states it is committed to collaborative work through the HOLGCEX group and with Strategic Migration Partnerships to improve dispersal and increase dispersed accommodation.
Home Office
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40
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 168
Government guidance which came into force on 5 May 2020, although it was not published...
Conclusion
Government guidance which came into force on 5 May 2020, although it was not published until 5 June, confirmed that individuals at high risk of contracting Covid-19 should be treated as AAR Level 3 cases. This clarification, which confirms the …
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Government Response Summary
The government defends its approach to immigration detention during COVID-19 by referencing a High Court ruling and public health guidance, stating it has not changed Adults at Risk policy and has implemented various measures to protect detainees.
Home Office
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45
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 194
As government lockdown restrictions are eased, it is imperative that the Home Office and its...
Recommendation
As government lockdown restrictions are eased, it is imperative that the Home Office and its providers communicate in a clear and timely manner to key national and local actors. The Government needs now to work closely with stakeholders across both …
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Government Response Summary
The government states they have been working closely with Public Health leads and providers throughout the pandemic, monitoring and adjusting procedures. They commit to continuing to listen and work closely with stakeholders during the recovery period to safeguard public health.
Home Office
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50
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 204
The experience of the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of implementing this Committee’s previous recommendations...
Conclusion
The experience of the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of implementing this Committee’s previous recommendations both in respect of asylum accommodation and immigration detention. We welcome the Home Office’s commitment to proceed carefully “back to a more normal state of …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the concern about clarity and explains that cessations of temporary support have resumed in a phased approach since August, prioritising those still awaiting decisions and deferring cessations for refused claimants.
Home Office
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51
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 205
On 5 June, the Housing Secretary announced a two month extension, until the end of...
Conclusion
On 5 June, the Housing Secretary announced a two month extension, until the end of August, of the suspension of evictions from social or private rented housing to protect tenants and landlords during the pandemic.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's recognition of support for asylum seekers and provides an update on the resumption of cessations of support in a phased approach since August, following consultation with public health agencies and local authorities.
Home Office
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