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Written question asked by Royston Smith (Conservative) on Friday, 16 December 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 December 2022. It was answered by Robert Jenrick (Conservative) on Friday, 30 December 2022 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum: Southampton Itchen

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of using hotels as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers in Southampton, Itchen constituency on the safety of (a) other hotel occupants and (b) local residents.

Answer

The Home Office aims to gradually end the use of hotels and move asylum seekers to less expensive and more suitable dispersed accommodation.  The Department has established a programme of work to actively encourage the three private providers of asylum accommodation and Local Authorities to support the procurement of sufficient dispersed accommodation. The Home Office will shortly bring forward a range of alternative sites such as disused holiday parks, former student halls, and surplus military sites.

Each potential accommodation site is assessed for its suitability, including the availability of public services within the local area. Our providers have a strong record of running contingency sites effectively with minimal impact on the local area and population. We actively engage and collaborate with relevant stakeholders including NHS partners to understand and act on any concerns appropriately as the site operates.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112131
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Asylum Hotels Safety Southampton Itchen
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk