Written question asked by Nadia Whittome (Labour) on Friday, 10 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. It was answered by Alex Norris (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Refugees: Secure Accommodation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the reduction in the transition period to 28 days on the ability of refugees to secure accommodation.

Answer

On 1 September, the 56 days move on pilot implemented in December 2024 was paused for all single adults in receipt of a positive asylum decision, with the exception of individuals who are pregnant, over the age of 65 or have a known/evidenced disability. This action was taken to ensure that the asylum system continues to run efficiently, and to enable us to continue taking action both to reduce the overall number of asylum hotels in different communities, and the number of people staying in them.

We closely monitor the impact of all our policies, including the move on period, on the number and occupancy of asylum hotels, the overall costs of the asylum accommodation estate, the wider effect on local communities, and any pressures placed on local authorities and public amenities. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to identify improvements and make efficiencies in supporting newly recognised refugees move on from asylum accommodation.

The independent evaluation of the pilot is due to conclude imminently, and evaluation outcomes will be used to inform longer term policy proposals and will be shared with parliament.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 78806
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Refugees Secure accommodation
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Refugees: Secure Accommodation

Secondary information

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