Written question WQ86604
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Social Justice
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What support is the Welsh Government giving to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to assist the health board in its response to the housing of asylum seekers at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Dolgarrog?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Social Justice
The Welsh Government is working with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to ensure appropriate health screening is undertaken and care is provided while asylum seekers are residing within the health board area.
It is disappointing to note that the Home Office does not provide funding for additional costs to the health board for asylum seekers. i wrote to the Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick MP expressing the Welsh Government’s concerns about the lack of funding and the pressure this places on the NHS.
The UK Government failed to consult, notify or involve Welsh Government Ministers and officials, or other key stakeholders, such as the health board, in advance, regarding the intended use of the hotel in North Wales for asylum seekers. Advance notice would have meant planning could have taken place and key services put in place.