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.
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 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.
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