Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Refugees: Accommodation

Monday 6 February 2023 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We are working with local councils and providers to develop regional dispersal plans to exit hotels like the Best Western in Buckingham as swiftly as possible.
  • Over 500 individuals continue to arrive in the UK every week under the Ukrainian visa schemes, and we are working to ensure no one ends up homeless.
  • The Home Office is reviewing options and having exploratory conversations regarding the Pontins holiday camp site, and it will not proceed if Sefton Council does not wish to do so.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The question arises from the concern over using hotels for asylum seekers and the impact on local businesses. A Best Western hotel in Buckingham has been used under a six-month lease due to end in March, raising concerns about its future.

Question

What progress she has made in ending the use of hotels as contingency asylum accommodation? The loss of the Best Western hotel in Buckingham is noticeable, with primary care resources diverted. Can my right hon Friend confirm that the use of the Best Western in Buckingham will end soon?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

We are working with local councils and providers to develop regional dispersal plans. The Home Secretary and I want to ensure hotels such as the one in his constituency are exited as swiftly as possible by pursuing a full dispersal model. Further legislation will be brought forward soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or plan for ending use of the Best Western hotel

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Q2 Barry Sheerman Lab
Asylum & Refugees Ukraine Housing
Context

Following the invasion of Ukraine, many people welcomed refugees with open arms. However, many have outstayed their time with their hosts and need a coherent plan going forward.

Question

When the dreadful invasion of Ukraine took place, many people welcomed refugees with open arms. Does he agree that it is still not safe for many to go home? Many have outstayed their time with their host, so can we have a coherent plan going forward to ensure refugees from Ukraine are decently protected and housed?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Over 500 individuals continue to come to the UK every week under the Ukrainian visa schemes. We are working closely with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to ensure seamless changes so that nobody ends up homeless.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about a coherent plan

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Q3 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The Best Western hotel in the town of Buckingham was originally acquired on a six-month lease, diverting primary care resources. The community is concerned about its future after March.

Question

The loss of the Best Western hotel as a valuable local business is noticeable in the town. Can my right hon Friend confirm that the use of the Best Western in Buckingham will end soon?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

We are pursuing a full dispersal model with local authorities and considering other options. The task is to stop boats arriving illegally, otherwise we will continue to have troubles like this in years ahead.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or plan for ending use of the Best Western hotel

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Q4 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Social Care Local Government
Context

There is a former Atkinson Court care home in east Leeds that could potentially be used for dispersal of asylum seekers. The question seeks confirmation on its use.

Question

Do the Government have any plans to make use of the former Atkinson Court care home in east Leeds as part of their dispersal policy?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The mandatory dispersal model involves agreement with local authorities to choose appropriate sites. I am happy to revert on that specific site in Leeds South.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific confirmation about using the former Atkinson Court care home

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Q5 Damien Moore Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

There are reports that a Pontins holiday camp in the constituency is under consideration for housing asylum seekers. The MP asks for confirmation.

Question

Does my right hon Friend agree it would not be appropriate to house asylum seekers at Pontins holiday camp? Will he confirm the reports that the site will not proceed?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The Home Office is reviewing options and having exploratory conversations. If Sefton Council does not wish to proceed with the Pontins site, it will not do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific confirmation about using the Pontins holiday camp

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Q6 Alison Thewliss SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Community InfoSource found that Mears' practices are retraumatising and causing stress. The MP questions the government's encouragement of companies profiting from misery.

Question

Home Office accommodation provider Mears has made significant profits providing substandard facilities for asylum seekers. Community InfoSource in Glasgow found that Mears' practices are retraumatising and causing unnecessary stress and suffering. Why are the UK Government encouraging rapacious companies to profit?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

If specific allegations exist, bring them forward for investigation. The task is for local authorities in Scotland and across the country to step up and provide more accommodation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions against Mears or addressing community concerns directly

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