Asked by: Philip Davies (Conservative - Shipley)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason people who have been refused asylum are able to access accommodation and other financial support from UK Visas and Immigration.
Answered by Kevin Foster
In order to fulfil our statutory obligations to meet minimum standards for failed asylum seekers, individuals are eligible to receive support under section 4(2) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 provided they meet conditions set out in the Immigration and Asylum (Provisions of Accommodation to Failed Asylum-Seekers) Regulations 2005.
The regulations require the individuals to show they are destitute and they are taking reasonable steps to leave the UK or face a practical or legal obstacle which prevents their departure.
Asked by: Philip Davies (Conservative - Shipley)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her current policy is on the wearing of face coverings in her (a) Department, (b) departmental agencies and (c) related bodies during the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Kit Malthouse
The Home Office policy will follow the government’s guidance published by BEIS on 14 July 2021 which states that face coverings are no longer required by law. Based on a risk assessment there may be some indoor settings such as crowded, enclosed spaces where employees will be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings. Some operational settings that include higher risk activities may require PPE to be worn as a control for specific activities. Employees will be able to choose if they wish to wear a face covering in a work environment.
In respect of departmental agencies and related bodies they will be implementing local restrictions as required following the government’s guidance set out above.