Oral Answers to Questions

David Evennett Excerpts

Monday 15th April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

11. What progress he has made on reducing the number of asylum seekers accommodated in hotels.

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

12. What progress his Department has made on closing asylum hotels.

[The Minister for Legal Migration and the Border (Tom Pursglove)]

The Home Office has been clear that the use of hotels is a temporary and short-term measure to ensure that we meet our statutory obligation to accommodate destitute asylum seekers. We have made significant progress in closing over 100 asylum hotels as of the end of March. Our actions mean that there are over 20,000 fewer asylum seekers in hotels today compared with six months ago.

--- Later in debate ---

[Sir David Evennett]

I welcome all the efforts that my hon. Friend is making to deal with and speed up the asylum process. However, will he outline what measures he considers when deciding which hotels to close in each tranche?

[Tom Pursglove]

My right hon. Friend will recognise that value for money is a critical consideration that informs hotel closure decisions, as are operational deliverability and the notice periods on contracts. It is also about recognising the needs in particular locations and the challenges that these sites present. We have a plan, we are closing hotels, and we will continue to deliver on precisely what we promised.