Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum Seeker Accommodation

Monday 27 November 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Home Office is closing the first 50 hotels by the end of January 2023.
  • Enabling asylum seekers to work would increase pull factors and worsen economic migration issues according to the response.
  • The Home Office is committed to not placing further young people or families in hotels without readily available school places.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Heather Wheeler Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP is concerned about the progress of moving asylum seekers from hotels to less costly accommodation, following a significant reduction in arrivals and improved management.

Question

What progress has been made on moving asylum seekers from hotels into less costly accommodation?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The Home Office is making good progress on closing the first 50 hotels by the end of January. Further hotel closures will be announced shortly.

Answered
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Q2 Heather Wheeler Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP is seeking a more definite date for the start and completion of moving asylum seekers from Newton Park Hotel.

Question

Can you give a more definite date for the start and completion of moving asylum seekers at the Newton Park Hotel in South Derbyshire?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The first 50 hotels are closing seamlessly by January end. The next set of hotel closures will be announced very soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific dates for the Newton Park Hotel were not provided.

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Q3 Patrick Grady SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The MP questions whether allowing asylum seekers to work would reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.

Question

Surely if asylum seekers had the right to work, they could pay for their accommodation without taxpayer support?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The hon. Gentleman is mistaken; enabling asylum seekers to work would increase pull factors and worsen economic migration issues.

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Q4 Vicky Ford Con
Asylum & Refugees Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned about the pressure on school places due to the placement of families in an Atlantic Hotel.

Question

Given the hotel's impact on school places, will you review policy to ensure that when people with children are placed in hotels there are available school places?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The Home Office is committed not to place further young people or families without readily available school places. The hotel in Chelmsford will close soon.

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Q5 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Asylum & Refugees NHS
Context

The MP is concerned about delays in medical treatment due to relocation of asylum seekers.

Question

When asylum seekers needing urgent medical care are moved, how will you ensure they do not slip back on the waiting list?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Support is provided for those with serious medical conditions when moving accommodation. The priority is closing hotels, but support will be maintained as needed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on ensuring timely medical care during relocations were not fully addressed.

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