Ministers said to be considering a ‘range’ of options after hotel protests and high court ruling – but choices are limited
The government is looking at a “range of appropriate accommodation” in which to house asylum seekers in England, the Home Office minister Dan Jarvis told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday.
He refused to specify what kind of accommodation was under consideration, although he acknowledged that “nobody really thinks that hotels are a suitable location” after this week’s high court ruling. But the options are limited.
The Home Office is responsible for ensuring compliance with the UK’s legal commitments regarding asylum seekers. That includes supporting destitute people seeking asylum while it makes a decision on their claim, by providing financial support and accommodation.
Asylum seekers are initially housed in “contingency” accommodation, such as hotels, hostels or special secure facilities. Later they may be moved to “dispersal” accommodation, including shared houses or self-contained flats or houses.
