Thank you for contacting me about asylum accommodation conditions.
As part of the New Plan for Immigration and to help speed up processing of claims and the removal of people who do not have a legitimate need to claim asylum in the UK, the Government plans to introduce new asylum reception centres. I understand that the reception centre model is used in many European countries including Switzerland and Denmark. These will provide basic accommodation and allow for decisions and any appeals following substantive rejection of an asylum claim to be processed fairly and quickly onsite.
I know that the Government takes the welfare of people in Home Office care extremely seriously and is fulfilling statutory duties to ensure decent, safe and humane conditions. As you will be aware, the Home Office is required by law to provide asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute with accommodation, paid for by the taxpayer.
After looking into this, I have been reassured that those accommodated at these sites have access to appropriate medical care and have access to the 24/7 Migrant Help helpline to raise any issues. Property inspections are also in place to make sure the accommodation is suitable and safe. The accommodation provider is required to inspect the accommodation at least once a month to identify and fix any defects.
I will continue to monitor the situation very closely. I welcome the action taken by the Government to ensure the UK continues to meet its obligations and commitments to the most vulnerable people.
Thank you again for contacting me.