Evidence session:
Tuesday 10 June, 2.30pm
Panel 1: From 2.30pm
- Helen Bransfield, Director of Asylum Services, Migrant
Help
Panel 2: From 3pm
- Dame DBE MP, Minister of State
for Border Security and Asylum
-
, Second Permanent Secretary,
Home Office
- Joanna Rowland CB, Director General, Customer Services, Home
Office
The Home Affairs Committee will question Minister for Border
Security and Asylum, Dame , and senior Home Office
officials in the closing session of its inquiry into asylum
accommodation.
The Home Office now estimates the 10year cost of the asylum
accommodation contracts to be £15.3 billion, a 240% increase from
its original estimate of £4.5 billion. Concerns have been
raised that providers have made large profits despite complaints
about the standard of accommodation provided and safeguarding
concerns.
The session will examine the Government's approach to the
management of asylum accommodation contracts and oversight of
accommodation providers, and its future strategy for the delivery
of asylum accommodation. This will include whether current
contracts are providing value for money and ensuring appropriate
accommodation for asylum seekers. It will also examine how the
Home Office monitors performance of providers what consideration
has been given to triggering break clauses in contracts to enable
reform of the asylum accommodation system.
The Committee will also question Migrant Help, who are contracted
to provide information, advice and assistance to asylum seekers
navigating the asylum system. The session will examine how the
provider has responded to high demand for their services as well
as their relationship with the Home Office and accommodation
providers.
