Question reference: S6W-02222
- Asked by: Pam Duncan-Glancy, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 17 August 2021
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 14 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to help ensure that asylum seekers in Scotland are provided with appropriate accommodation by private providers and local authorities, in light of the decision by Mears to end its use of hotel accommodation.
Answer
Asylum is a matter reserved to the UK Parliament and handled by the Home Office. This includes provision of asylum accommodation to people who require it while awaiting the outcome of their asylum application. The Scottish Government has no control of asylum accommodation and support.
The Home Office procures asylum accommodation through private sector contracts. Mears Group are the current contract holder in Scotland.
While recognising that hotels have enabled people to be accommodated during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been clear that hotel accommodation for people seeking asylum is not acceptable as general practice or as long term accommodation. People seeking asylum should be provided with accommodation that is suitable for their needs and is based in communities to enable integration from day one of arrival. The Scottish Government will continue to engage with the Home Office, Mears Group, Glasgow City Council, COSLA and third sector support organisations in Glasgow on matters relating to asylum accommodation, support and integration.