The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) is looking for evidence to inform an inspection of the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers. The ICIBI is particularly interested in evidence of positive or negative developments since the publication of the Home Affairs Committee report on asylum accommodation (January 2017). The areas being looked at include the initial allocation of asylum accommodation, the current dispersal policy and its geographical limitations, accommodation standards, and the end of process after a grant or refusal of asylum. They are particularly interested in gathering statistical evidence where available, as well as examples of good practice, and encourage all interested parties to share their views.

Submissions should be made by 25 February 2018 to:caroline.parkes@icinspector. gsi.gov.uk. If you have evidence you would like to share but are not able to make your own submission please get in touch with Lorna and we can include as part of Asylum Matters’ submission:lorna@asylummatters.org. Full details of the inspection are pasted below.

Call for Evidence : Asylum Accommodation

Overview

The Independent Chief Inspector for Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) announced as part of the programme for 2017-18 an inspection of the provision of accommodation to asylum seekers.[1] In preparation for this inspection, the Chief Inspector makes this call for evidence and seeks views and evidence from anyone with relevant knowledge, expertise or experience to help inform the scope and focus of the inspection. We welcome views from a wide range of interested parties from all parts of the UK.

 

 

 

Request

The ICIBI is particularly interested in evidence of any positive or negative developments since the publication of the Home Affairs Committee report on asylum accommodation (January 2017).

 

The Chief Inspector welcomes evidence on the areas set out below and request, where possible, statistical evidence.  The team would also welcome examples of good practice.

 

Submissions to: caroline.parkes@icinspector.gs i.gov.uk

Deadline for submissions: 25 February 2017

 

Initial allocation of asylum accommodation

 

• Home Office identification, recording and sharing information of vulnerability, particularly pregnancy and maternity, and how this impacts accommodation decisions
• Initial accommodation standards including impact on vulnerability, particularly pregnancy and maternity
• Comments on the “Healthcare Needs and Pregnancy Dispersal Policy” and it’s implementation
• Extent to which accommodation providers meet the specific needs of pregnant women/new mothers
• Effective practice in relation to dispersal or the allocation of accommodation

 

Home Office current dispersal policy and its geographical limitations

 

• Any issues related to dispersal to particular areas
• Any issues relating to the particular impact of dispersal of pregnant women/new mothers

Accommodation Standards

 

• Assessment of standards set by the Home Office for asylum accommodation
• Effectiveness of inspection regimes of asylum accommodation by either accommodation provider or the Home Office
• Effectiveness of the complaints process

End of process – grant/refuse asylum

 

• Notification of asylum claim decision by the Home Office, including impact of decision delays on accommodation provision.
• Relationship between accommodation provider, Home office and asylum seeker