Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the role of Ministers is in approving or reviewing the award of high-value asylum contracts.

Prior to receiving internal, Home Office Commercial approvals, to award these contracts, supplier performance was reviewed and due diligence was carried out. Necessary external approvals from Cabinet Office Spend Controls were also obtained. The guidance for Cabinet Office Spend Controls applies to commercial activities costing £20 million or more, and is available here: Commercial spend controls (version 7) - GOV.UK

Details of the Principles for Ministerial involvement in commercial activity and the contacting process are included here: Principles for Ministerial involvement in commercial activity and the contracting process - GOV.UK