Call for Evidence for the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration – Asylum Accommodation Inquiry – DEADLINE 25th February

ICIBI Call for Evidence : Asylum Accommodation

The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration is currently gathering evidence for an inquiry into asylum accommodation. They have recently put a call out for written evidence, asking for interested parties to submit evidence to the ICIBI by the 25th February 2018. This is a great opportunity to raise concerns about the current provision of asylum accommodation, showcase good practice, and make forward-looking recommendations for the post-2019 asylum accommodation contracts.

How can you get involved? 

As Asylum Matters, we will be collating a joint submission and welcome all partners to contribute relevant case studies and information to inform this submission. Please email any relevant evidence through to me at [email protected] (with [email protected] copied in) by 21st February 2018.

This is a public inquiry, so you are also welcome to submit evidence as individual organisations/groups. If you would like any advice or guidance as how to do this effectively, please do give me a call on 07557 982 498 or drop me an email at [email protected]. Direct submissions should be made to: [email protected] (deadline for submissions: 25 February 2018)

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We have reproduced the scope of the ICIBI’s inquiry below:

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.

Inquiry Scope:

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