Safety
Repeated
Men and women remained detained together at Larne House throughout the year, despite previous recommendations for separate accommodation and acceptance by the Home Office, demonstrating failings in the Home Office’s safety culture.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Unsuitability of accommodation at airport holding rooms and reporting centre holding rooms, including lack of natural light, natural ventilation or open air; only one facility having showers; very limited privacy; unsatisfactory sleeping provision (plastic-covered mats on the floor).
Source wording under review
Healthcare
Repeated
Healthcare provision varies based on location rather than clinical need, and people in detention still have their prescription medication removed at airport and reporting centre holding rooms, posing serious health risks.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Repeated
People are detained for longer than necessary, for example due to inefficiencies in organising asylum accommodation or effecting transfers.
Source wording under review
Equality/Diversity
Repeated
Accessibility has been improved during the reporting period, for example by installing an accessible toilet at Glasgow Airport. However, the needs of people with protected characteristics are not always met. We observed that: o Facilities are not fully accessible for wheelchair users. For example, for optimal accessibility, the door opening should ideally be 900mm wide to accommodate wheelchair users. However, at Larne House the width of the entrance door to the bedroom is less than that. At Drumkeen House, the entrance doors do not accommodate the manoeuvre of a standard size wheelchair. o Sleeping provision at airport holding rooms and reporting centre holding rooms is inadequate for wheelchair users. It could be impossible for some wheelchair users to transfer to use the mats provided when these are to be placed on the floor. The lack of accessible showers leads to the risk of harm and compromise to the dignity and humane treatment of an incontinent wheelchair user detained overnight. o Provision for people with sensory impairments is poor. For example, there are no tactile signs at any facilities, induction loops are not fitted to telephones at airport holding rooms, materials such as leaflets are not always available in large print and magnification equipment is unavailable. o Provision for people who have non-visible disabilities is poor. For example, there is limited provision in airport holding rooms and reporting centre holding rooms for a private space free from noises, smells and bright lights to support people with non-visible disabilities.
Other
The Home Office does not routinely and proactively publish performance metrics or the results of internal assurance and contract monitoring activities, reducing transparency and hindering improvement.
Source wording under review
Safety
The Board is concerned about late night moves involving families and children with particular concerns where Taxis are being used. We are very concerned about the potential for a medical emergency arising during a lengthy overnight journey.
Safety
Unaccompanied children were detained in unsatisfactory conditions, and this was not reported to the IMB, demonstrating a lack of candour by the Home Office.
Safety
Record keeping is not consistent, and in some cases, there are serious omissions. At our visits we see a very limited range of records, usually limited to the IS91 authority for detention forms. There have been several occasions when these have not been completed correctly casting doubt on record keeping more generally. In some cases, safety-critical sections such as indicators of vulnerability, have not been completed. These sections are included on the form to ensure safety of people in detention, especially when handed over from one custodian to another.
Other
In written communications the Home Office does not make its complex processes clear for people in detention, which adds to stress. For example, form IS91R is given to every person in detention and explains the reasons for their detention. It uses complicated language and fails to clearly explain the processes people are being put through, creating unnecessary stress and anxiety. HM Inspectorate of Prisons has repeatedly recommended that the form should be made available in languages other than English however the Home Office has not complied.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The Controlled Waiting Area at Prestwick Airport is used for detainees instead of the dedicated holding room, providing unacceptable conditions.
Source wording under review