Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government who is legally responsible for the welfare of child asylum seekers in the UK.

The rise in the number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) crossing the Channel in small boats has place significant challenges for local authorities in identifying care placements for young people. 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 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.

We recognise hotel accommodation is a temporary means to accommodate the increased number of UASC arriving and are not a long-term option.

The Home Office does not have, and therefore cannot discharge, duties under Part 3 of the Children Act 1989. It is for the local authority where an unaccompanied child is located to consider its duties under the Children’s Act 1989.