Asylum: Children

(asked on 31st January 2023) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the appropriateness of the use of hotel accommodation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children; and if she will take steps to review that assessment in the context of reports of missing unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.


Answered by
Robert Jenrick Portrait
Robert Jenrick
This question was answered on 7th February 2023

The rise in the number of UASC crossing the Channel in small boats means there are significant challenges on providing local authority care places for unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC). Out of necessity, and with the best interests of the child in mind, we have had no alternative but to temporarily use hotels to give some unaccompanied children a roof over their heads whilst Local Authority accommodation is found. The safety and wellbeing of those in our care is our primary concern. Robust safeguarding procedures are in place to ensure all children and minors are as safe and supported as we seek urgent placements with a Local Authority.

When considering whether to accommodate UASC in Home Office operated hotels, advice and guidance was sought from organisations with expertise and experience with young people. These included the Department for Education, Safeguarding Advice and Children’s Champion and Local Authorities.

Safeguarding is a key consideration when identifying potential hotels for temporary use by the Home Office to accommodate UASC. Hotel specific risks assessments are completed and mitigation against risks put in place. If the facility is not considered appropriate, we do not continue to pursue the hotel as an option.

We are clear that we must end the use of hotels as soon as possible. We are providing Local Authorities with children’s services with £15,000 for every eligible young person they take into their care from a dedicated UASC hotel, or the Reception and Safe Care Service in Kent, by the end of February 2023.

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