Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Hotels

Monday 15 April 2024 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has closed over 100 asylum hotels and reduced the number of asylum seekers in hotels by more than 20,000 compared to six months ago.
  • Value for money, operational deliverability, contract notice periods, and location-specific needs are key considerations in deciding which hotels to close.
  • The Government aims to close all hotels while introducing more cost-effective and appropriate approaches to reduce illegal immigration.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Evennett Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The Home Office has been using hotels to accommodate destitute asylum seekers, with many local concerns over the use of such temporary measures.

Question

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.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify when all hotels will be closed or provide a concrete timeline.

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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Asylum & Refugees
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 David Evennett Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Efforts are being made to speed up the asylum process and reduce reliance on hotel accommodation for asylum seekers.

Question

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.

Answer from Tom Pursglove

Value for money is a critical consideration. Operational deliverability and the need to recognise location-specific requirements also play significant roles in these decisions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline all factors or provide examples.

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Q4 Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield
Asylum & Refugees
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Not addressed: Addressed Labour's lack of plan rather than hotel closure specifics.

How: Discussed Opposition Shortcomings

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Immigration Asylum & Refugees
Context

There are concerns about the impact of hotel usage on local communities and suggestions for alternative solutions to support asylum seekers.

Question

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?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Addressed potential risks but did not fully support the suggested approach.

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Q6 Simon Clarke Con
Immigration Asylum & Refugees
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q7 Mike Amesbury Lab
Asylum & Refugees
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a managed closure directly in response to the request.

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