Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what criteria are used to assess whether accommodation is appropriate for offer as accommodation to Afghan refugees; and for how long her Department will continue to offer hotel accommodation to Afghan refugees should offers of permanent accommodation not be taken up.

We have been working hard to support Afghan families into homes of their own, so that they can settle into their local communities, feel safe and independent and rebuild their lives in the UK.

We have made improvements to the accommodation matching process, which took effect from 9 May. Before we match individuals and families to accommodation, we will talk to them to make sure we have all the necessary information about their circumstances to enable us to make an appropriate offer of accommodation, taking in to account education, health and faith needs, as well as employment, family links and caring responsibilities. We will ensure also that the accommodation offered will meet all relevant health and safety requirements, be in a good state of repair and will be furnished. Where necessary, adaptations to the property will be made before the household move in to ensure that it is accessible for any residents with a known disability. The accommodation will be available for a minimum of 12 months. It will be affordable for the household, considering the financial resource available to them, including any Government support for which they are eligible. Accommodation will be of suitable size to accommodate all household members.

The length of time that a family will remain in bridging hotels is dependent on several factors including the availability of appropriate housing. We encourage families to accept appropriate properties as quickly as possible and urge local authorities to continue to do all they can to help house people.