Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Zarah Sultana (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 July 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2023. It was answered by Robert Jenrick (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 July 2023 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum: Boats

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department undertook a consultation before deciding (a) to use barges and other floating vessels to accommodate people seeking asylum and (b) locating the Bibby Stockholm in Portland Port.

Answer

An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) has been completed and routinely monitored to ensure that the accommodation is safe, habitable, fit for purpose and meets all regulatory requirements, for single adult male asylum seekers.

We will assess individual’s suitability to reside at each location and will only accommodate individuals who are considered suitable to reside there. Each person’s suitability will be assessed at regular intervals.

The sites are be designed to be as self-sufficient as possible, helping to minimise the impact on local communities and services. This includes 24/7 security to reduce the need for police patrols, on-site catering and healthcare and transport provisions for asylum seekers.

We also conducted relevant assessments in line with the Home Office’s role as competent authority under the Conservation and Habitats Regulations 2017. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening was not required as planning permission was not required.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
194952
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Asylum Boats Public consultation Portland Port
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk