Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of withdrawing accommodation as proposed in the Immigration and Asylum (Provision of Accommodation to Failed Asylum-Seekers) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 on local authorities.

The policy's intention is to ensure compliance with the conditions of support and permission to work rules and only remove support from those who breach these rules. The responsibility to support asylum seekers remains with the Home Office, and this responsibility does not transfer to local authorities.

Illegal working is a criminal offence that undercuts legitimate businesses and workers. This measure is about removing the incentive of benefiting from taxpayer funded support while working illegally. It is designed to ensure the system remains fair, sustainable, and focused on those in genuine need of support, and those who comply with the rules of the asylum system.

Those who work without permission are working outside of formal employment structures and without legal protections. Some employers will take advantage of this, putting those who work illegally at risk of being exploited.

This is not about punishing those who are vulnerable or at risk of exploitation. This is about maintaining fairness in the system. Allowing illegal working with no consequences can lead to exploitation.

Clear conditions and consequences around illegal working also play an important role in deterring poor behaviour in the first place, helping individuals understand from the outset what is expected of them while they are receiving asylum support.

Any decision to withdraw support from someone who is suspected of working illegally will be made on a case-by-case basis. Existing protections remain in place. If exploitation is identified, safeguarding takes priority. Support will not be withdrawn from potential victims of exploitation, and referrals will be made to the appropriate services.