Background to the report

The Home Office is responsible for asylum and protection in the UK, including supplying accommodation for people seeking asylum who would otherwise be destitute.

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The Home Office tries to source houses or flats for most of its accommodation, but when these are not available it uses hotels as a contingency measure.

The work is carried out by three suppliers who currently identify and supply accommodation on behalf of the Home Office, via seven regional contracts known as the Asylum Accommodation and Support Contracts (AASCs). An additional national contract is in place for a helpline and support service (AIRE – Advice, Issue Reporting and Eligibility).

This briefing has been prepared for the Home Affairs Committee as part of its inquiry into the delivery of asylum accommodation. It covers the main contracts for asylum accommodation and support.

Scope of the report

This briefing describes:

  • the Home Office’s approach to accommodating people seeking asylum and the services provided by the contracts
  • the performance of the contracts and their profitability
  • the Home Office’s oversight of the contracts

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