Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria her Department uses to assess the suitability of (a) existing and (b) potential accommodation for asylum seekers in relation to (i) physical health, (ii) mental health and (iii) safety from harm.

All asylum seekers in initial and temporary accommodation have access to an initial health screening and health care through in house health care teams and/or provider welfare staff who will arrange health care and signpost to the appropriate health services

Additionally, all asylum seekers have access to a 24/7 AIRE (Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility) service provided for the Home Office by Migrant Help where they can escalate any concerns regarding accommodation or support services, and they can get information about how to obtain further support including legal advice where appropriate. AIRE asylum services provide free independent advice, guidance and information on the asylum process, accommodation, financial support, finding legal representation and any other asylum related matters. AIRE run a national helpline that is free and accessible to all asylum seekers in the UK.

All sites have security staff and our accommodation providers work with local police forces to ensure the safety and security of asylum seeker accommodation.

We expect the highest standards from our providers and monitor performance and the effectiveness of the contracts, including the safeguarding of our service users through the monthly Contract Management Groups and quarterly Strategic Review Management Boards. We also hold daily calls with our service providers to monitor and resolve issues during the current pandemic.

Those accommodated in longer term, dispersed accommodation have the same access to health care as the rest of the general population.