Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 21 June 2022 to Question 11682 on Asylum: Children and with reference to the 355 children aged 11 to 17 who were housed by her Department between 22 February and 1 June 2022, how many local authorities did she direct to look after those children using her powers under section 72 of the Immigration Act 2016; how many local authorities refused to do so; and if she will publish those local authorities.

All local authorities with children’s services in the UK have been directed to participate in the NTS. This means they are required to accept transfers of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) into their care, providing crucial placements to these children.

Only one local authority has challenged the direction to participate in the scheme. Given this matter is currently subject to legal challenge, I am unable to comment further at this time.