Written question WQ86605

The Welsh Government continues to work and support Conwy County Borough Council regarding the use by the Home Office of the North Wales Hotel for asylum seekers. Welsh Government officials have met with the local authority to advise on what support needs to be put in place.

There are currently no children present at the hotel; therefore there have been no statutory educational needs identified for those residing at the hotel.

The provision of housing and support for asylum seekers while their asylum claim remains outstanding is the responsibility of the Home Office, as part of their statutory duties under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. There is currently no funding available from the Home Office to support local authorities whilst asylum seekers are housed in hotels.

Accommodation providers and their sub-contractors are responsible for the services provided to asylum seekers whilst they are resident in hotels. The statement of requirements set out in their contract with the Home Office outlines the services and information that must be provided within seven calendar days of the asylum seeker’s arrival.

It is disappointing to note that the Home Office does not provide funding for additional costs to the health board for asylum seekers. The Minister for Social Justice wrote to the Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick MP, on 8 November expressing the Welsh Government’s concerns about the lack of funding for asylum contingency hotel use.