The new Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contracts
(AASC), which were designed following engagement with local
authorities, potential providers and non-governmental
organisations (NGOs), have been awarded today, following an
open and fair procurement exercise.
The new contracts offer a range of improvements, with a
particular focus on assisting individuals through the
asylum system. They will ensure that vulnerable asylum
seekers have access to the support they need and set clear
requirements on the standard and condition of
accommodation.
Under the new contracts, providers will be required to have
proactive maintenance plans, to make sure that they
regularly inspect properties and report back to the Home
Office on the findings of these inspections. When issues
are identified, providers will be expected to resolve them
within set timescales.
The Home Office formally awarded contracts to the following
providers:
- Midlands and East of England: Serco
- North East, Yorkshire and Humberside: Mears Group
- North West: Serco
- Northern Ireland: Mears Group
- Scotland: Mears Group
- South: Clearsprings Ready Homes
- Wales: Clearsprings Ready Homes
Migrant Help have also been awarded the contract for the
Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility Assistance services
(AIRE), which will be a single integrated and national
service for asylum seekers.
The AIRE service will provide advice and guidance to
service users on the asylum process, their rights and
signposting different services.
It will also provide asylum seekers with a single point of
contact, independent from the accommodation providers and
the Home Office, to report issues.
Immigration Minister said:
The UK has a proud history of providing protection to
those who need it and these new contracts will make sure
that asylum seekers are treated with dignity and respect
in safe, secure and suitable accommodation.
They will deliver compassionate support through a new
integrated service and make the asylum system more
accessible and easier to navigate.
We consulted extensively with local authorities and NGOs
to make sure that the contracts not only protect
vulnerable asylum seekers but also deliver value for
money for the taxpayer.
The contracts also require accommodation providers to
develop and maintain close working relationships with local
authorities, and include the need to consult and liaise
with them on the location of properties in the area.
The AASC contracts, which will replace the existing COMPASS
contracts, have an approximate value of £4 billion and are
for 10 years.
The new contracts will commence in September 2019 and the
Home Office will continue to work closely with the new
providers, COMPASS providers and local authorities to
ensure a smooth transition.
