Provision of Cheltenham & Gloucester Asylum Seeker Support Services

Descriptions

Asylum seeker support

GLOUCESTER CITY COUNCIL & CHELTENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL

Specification for the provision of: -

Cheltenham & Gloucester Asylum Seeker Support Services

Open Procedure

Our Ref: CS0001 Pro-Contract Ref: DN776742

3.1.1. Overview

The UK has a legal obligation to provide protection to individuals who flee persecution. This is managed through the asylum system. The Home Office is responsible for setting national asylum policies and for certain activities, such as:

• Asylum Claims Processing. This includes identifying individuals who qualify for refugee status, handling appeals and ensuring that cases are dealt with in a timely manner.

• Dispersal Policy. This seeks to ensure that asylum seekers are accommodated across the UK so that there is a fairer distribution of asylum seekers across all local authority areas.

• Dispersal Accommodation Expansion. Dispersal Accommodation (DA) is usually flats or houses where independent living is encouraged. These are often houses of multiple occupation possibly with shared bathroom facilities but usually somewhere to cook and store food. The Home Office has recognised the need to increase the number of Dispersal Accommodation spaces across the UK to address growing asylum seeker numbers. Their focus is on securing accommodation that is suitable and secure, providing access to essential services, while integrating asylum seekers into the community. In May 2024 revised Asylum Accommodation Plans were launched to accelerate progress in increasing Dispersal Accommodation. These plans consider the current housing market and viability in each area, along with social factors, including pressures on local services. They also take account of the existing population, including those from Home Office cohorts. Collaboration with local authorities and private sector Suppliers are therefore critical in meeting this objective.

• Contingency Accommodation Reduction. Contingency Accommodation is usually a hotel or similar. In these settings meals and basic laundering facilities are provided. There may be ensuite toilet facilities but often nowhere to cook, prepare of store food and do not always have communal or outside space. Since April 2022, the Home Office has been working with local authorities across the UK to bring about the closure of all Contingency Accommodation. (NB In line with the Home Office's plans, the number of Contingency Accommodation sites in Gloucestershire has now reduced from a peak of 5 sites to 2: 1 in Gloucester, and 1 in Cheltenham.)

• Support Services. Alongside accommodation, the Home Office emphasises the need for support and integration services that include health care, education, and support to assist asylum seekers in rebuilding their lives.