Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve the management of temporary accommodation for asylum applicants in Glasgow; whether they intend to consult (1) the Scottish Refugee Council, and (2) Glasgow MPs, on this matter; and whether any such consultation will incorporate (a) mental health provision, and (b) the use of contractors.

Glasgow provides a safe haven and welcome to Asylum Seekers and we are very grateful for the support the city provides.

We are committed to ensuring that the services provided to the people we support are of the required quality. The Home Office has commissioned an evaluation of the accommodation and support services offered to asylum seekers in Glasgow during COVID-19 – seeking feedback from MPs and the voluntary sector.

Meanwhile the Home Office continues to work with Glasgow City Council (GCC) LA and the Scottish Government via the Glasgow Partnership Board and the Regional Delivery and Procurement Group regular (currently bi weekly meetings) to explore all accommodation procurement options available and ensure appropriate support is provided.

However, the Home Office does not directly commission health services. These are provided through the Asylum Health Bridging Team, part of the Glasgow City Council Health and Social Care Partnership.

It should also be noted that the reduction of contingency accommodation in Glasgow is dependent upon both LA sign off for accommodation procurement requests and the progressing those cases that are in the LAs remit including working with Home Office to process cases that have had their asylum application concluded.