“Councils want to work with government on developing a better system for accommodating and supporting asylum seekers."
Responding to the NAO's report on alternative asylum accommodation, Cllr Roger Gough, Asylum, Refugee and Migration spokesperson for the Local Government Association said:
“Councils want to work with government on developing a better system for accommodating and supporting asylum seekers. Given increased demand and the acute shortage of housing across the country, this requires a national, regional and local approach to solving pressing housing needs across all schemes that welcome new arrivals to the UK.
“Councils need advance engagement on alternatives sites opened up for those leaving hotels, and for ongoing new arrivals, and an active role in deciding which hotels to close. These new sites need to open in areas that are not already facing unsustainable pressures due to asylum and resettlement and be in line with regionally agreed plans. Councils also need urgent confirmation of the funding available for their role in asylum, with current funding due to end this month.
"We are also keen to work with government on how to keep people safe and supported as well as ensure councils are properly prepared in advance of the expected increase of arrivals over the summer and to understand the potential impacts of the Illegal Migration Act.”