Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average length of time asylum seeker families are spending in contingency accommodation is in (a) the UK and (b) Northern Ireland.

The Home Office does not publish information regarding the length of time spent in contingency accommodation by asylum seekers. This period of time is determined by a number of factors including overall demand and availability of dispersal accommodation as well as individual circumstances.

The Government is determined to restore order to the asylum system so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly. This includes identifying a range of options to reduce the use of hotels over time and ensuring efficiency and value for money across all accommodation arrangements.