Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations she has received from local authorities within Compass asylum contract areas on the (a) suitability of accommodation for asylum seekers provided by Compass, (b) overcrowding in that accommodation, (c) the need for local authorities to be notified when asylum seekers became resident there and (d) additional services required from local authorities when large numbers of asylum seekers move to an area.

COMPASS Accommodation providers must abide by specific standards, including rules on shared dwellings. The Home Office monitors the performance of the providers against quality and safety standards to ensure the suitability of accommodation provided for asylum seekers and works with providers to improve these where necessary. Poor performance by the providers can also have financial ramifications if they are found to be non-compliant.The Home Office has established working arrangements with all local authorities to consider the placement of asylum seekers in each area to ensure minimal impact on services and community cohesion. Local authorities are notified of all asylum seekers moving into their area, and they have an obligation to perform a duty of care for all their residents regarding health, social services and schooling for minors. In addition Home Office has appointed three Service Delivery Managers (SDM) to work in partnership with the COMPASS providers and external stakeholders, principally local authorities. The role of the SDM is to arbitrate in difficulties between providers and local authorities.