The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answers on 18th March 2024:
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government whether they are taking steps to develop engagement forums with asylum seeker and refugee communities.
Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con, Home Office): We regularly engage with stakeholders through standalone meetings and various forums such as the Asylum Strategic Engagement Group, which includes organisations who both speak for and represent asylum seekers.
The Asylum Lived Experience Advisory Panel (ALEAP) is a regular engagement forum, which enables refugees with recent lived experience of the UK asylum system an opportunity to discuss the impact of Home Office policies and processes across their asylum journey.
It is important that we distinguish between individuals who need protection and those seeking to work here who can apply for a work visa under the Immigration Rules.
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that asylum seekers housed in asylum accommodation have access to free and accessible community spaces to build social connections.
Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con, Home Office): The Home Office contracted accommodation providers deliver induction briefings and information packs which include signposting to voluntary sector services alongside local leisure and recreational facilities and services, for all new arriving asylum seekers.
The AASC Requirements below give a detailed breakdown of the services to be undertaken by our accommodation providers and to the standards we expect:
Additionally, all asylum seekers have access to a 24/7 Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility (AIRE) service provided for the Home Office by Migrant Help, where they can raise any concerns regarding accommodation or support services.
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