Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Hotels 2024-04-15
2024-04-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Home Office has been using hotels to accommodate destitute asylum seekers, with many local concerns over the use of such temporary measures.
What progress his Department has made on closing asylum hotels. We have closed over 100 asylum hotels as of March end and reduced the number of asylum seekers in hotels by more than 20,000 compared to six months ago.
Value for money is a critical factor in deciding which hotels to close. Operational deliverability and contract notice periods also play significant roles, alongside recognising the needs of particular locations and the challenges presented by different sites.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when all hotels will be closed or provide a concrete timeline.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Home Office has been working to close the use of hotels for accommodating asylum seekers, with progress noted in closing over 100 hotels as of March end.
Does the Minister's ambition extend to closing all the hotels? We have closed 100 by the end of March and are aiming to close 150 by May.
The Government's ambition is indeed to close all the hotels, but we aim to introduce more cost-effective and appropriate approaches while also reducing illegal immigration flows.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Efforts are being made to speed up the asylum process and reduce reliance on hotel accommodation for asylum seekers.
Will he outline what measures he considers when deciding which hotels to close in each tranche? Value for money, operational deliverability, contract notice periods, needs of particular locations, and challenges presented by different sites are key considerations.
Value for money is a critical consideration. Operational deliverability and the need to recognise location-specific requirements also play significant roles in these decisions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not outline all factors or provide examples.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Sandpiper Hotel in Chesterfield has been used to house asylum seekers, with many applications being approved. There are concerns about the continued use of such accommodations.
For almost two years, the Sandpiper Hotel in Chesterfield has housed asylum seekers, and most have had their applications approved, indicating they are entitled to stay. Why do the Government continue this approach when it is ineffective?
The Labour Party lacks a credible plan to reduce illegal immigration and close hotels. We are working towards closing more hotels while addressing the root cause of asylum seeker flows.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Addressed Labour's lack of plan rather than hotel closure specifics.
Discussed Opposition Shortcomings
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There are concerns about the impact of hotel usage on local communities and suggestions for alternative solutions to support asylum seekers.
Mr Speaker, I pass on condolences regarding your father. For those in hotels, companies wish to offer employment and accommodation in Strangford. Could this approach help manage hotel use?
We are cautious about any measure that could act as a pull factor, potentially encouraging illegal immigration via small boats. We aim to put criminal gangs out of business and reduce accommodation needs through policy measures.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Addressed potential risks but did not fully support the suggested approach.
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Concerns exist about the Home Office procuring property in poorer areas, similar to the situation seen in Middlesbrough in 2016, which could strain local communities.
Reports suggest the Home Office is buying large amounts of property in some poor areas, risking a repeat of the 2016 situation. Will the Minister reassure me that this procurement is not ongoing?
We are not actively pursuing procurement in the three local authorities cited, including Middlesbrough. We aim to reduce accommodation needs through policies that address illegal immigration flows.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A hotel in the questioner's constituency was promised to no longer house asylum seekers, but it remains open and almost permanent. Concerns exist about managed closure.
My sincere condolences. A hotel used in my constituency should no longer be housing asylum seekers, as previously promised. Could the Minister give me an assurance of a managed closure?
While I cannot make commitments about specific hotels on the Floor of the House, I am willing to meet the hon. Gentleman separately to discuss this matter further.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a managed closure directly in response to the request.
Response accuracy