Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Not Addressed
Home Office spends substantial ODA on in-country asylum support, citing government choice.
Conclusion
Many of those subject to removal will be living in Home Office accommodation, such as hotels or large sites, despite being unable to claim asylum in the UK. The Home Office spent an estimated £4.7 billion on asylum support (which covers accommodation, and financial subsistence for those who would otherwise be destitute) in the 2023–24 financial year, and the Government spent £4.3 billion of official development assistance budget (one-quarter of all aid spending) on supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, many of whom will not be entitled to claim asylum here. We challenged the Home Office that many members of the public would be surprised that it was spending so much of the overseas development assistance supporting people within the UK rather than overseas, and if it believed that was sustainable. The Home Office told us the UK had no choice but to “score it as [overseas development assistance]” but that the level of spending was not sustainable, which is why it was looking to reduce its reliance on hotels and reduce other costs, so that the official development assistance can be spent elsewhere.28 The Home Office subsequently wrote to us to correct its statement and said that the UK government chose to include all in-country refugee costs as overseas development assistance.29
Government Response Summary
The government states it agrees and has implemented the recommendation, but the response details existing welfare and safeguarding provisions for asylum seekers, completely failing to address the committee's concerns about the sustainability of current spending on accommodation or the use of ODA.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 All individuals are able to raise concerns with the department whilst their case is under consideration and where safeguarding concerns are raised, these are escalated to the relevant safeguarding hub. The Third Country Unit also has capability to make an immediate decision to admit an individual into the UK asylum system if the circumstances of any particular case merit such action, such as the welfare of an individual being significantly impacted by ongoing third country enquiries. 3.3 Asylum Accommodation service providers identify suitable accommodation and ensure that they conform to the accommodation standards and provision set out in Schedule 2 of the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASC). 3.4 The Home Office then assesses the recommendation, undertaking a site visit with the accommodation provider as required and will work with the provider and property owner to bring the site up to a suitable standard. Local authority partners are able to visit sites should there be environment health, policing and/or Fire Authority concerns. 3.5 The department takes the welfare of asylum seekers extremely seriously. At every stage in the process, its approach is to ensure that all needs and vulnerabilities are identified and considered, including those related to mental health and trauma. 3.6 Providers follow established standard procedures to manage the safety, security and wellbeing being of those they accommodate. All asylum seekers undergo health checks and a screening interview to establish any vulnerabilities, and the basis of their asylum claim. 3.7 The department also works closely with the NHS, local authorities and non-governmental organisations to ensure that healthcare is accessible and operates a Safeguarding Hub to support vulnerable individuals. Every step is taken to ensure the safety of residents. All asylum seekers are able to access healthcare and are signposted to do so. 3.8 Accommodation is allocated on a no-choice basis and individuals may be moved to other locations in line with the Allocation of Accommodation guidance. The department continues to ensure the accommodation provided is safe, secure, leaves no one destitute and is appropriate for an individual’s needs.