The Bishop of Durham received the following written answers on 16th November 2021:
The Lord Bishop of Durham asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact on integration of housing people seeking asylum in Napier Barracks.
Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con, Home Office): The ongoing use of Napier Barracks is necessary to meet the demand to accommodate asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. The support and integration of asylum seekers accommodated in Napier is the same as those accommodated in other types of accommodation.
Asylum seekers have access to Migrant Help, a voluntary sector organisation funded by the Home Office, are able to use the NHS free of charge and are provided with other support to cover their essential living needs, in the same way as other asylum seekers accommodated by the Home Office.
Residents are free to leave the site and are encouraged to do so for social, religious or cultural purposes. There have been a number of improvements made to the facilities over recent months, designed to aid integration such as the reintroduction of sports and recreational activities and Non-Government Organisations on site providing activities, advice and assistance.
The Lord Bishop of Durham asked Her Majesty’s Government what discussions (1) Ministers, and (2) representatives, from the Home Office had with Shepway District Council before the Town and Country Planning (Napier Barracks) Special Development Order 2021 (SI 2021/962) was laid before Parliament.
Baroness Williams of Trafford: Discussions took place with both Folkestone & Hythe District Council (formerly Shepway District Council) and Kent City Council, outlining the background and explaining our plan to continue using the site.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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