Asylum

Home Office

The UK Government, through the Home Office, is responsible for asylum policy, the operational management of the asylum system, and asylum accommodation.

People seeking asylum who are assessed as destitute are provided with accommodation and financial support while their claim is being considered.

The Home Office and its contractors are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of people living in asylum accommodation. They may work with the local authority, NHS partners and other agencies to ensure safeguarding duties are met.

Accommodation is provided on a no‑choice basis, and people must live in the accommodation offered..

Accommodation provider

Mears procures and manages asylum accommodation in Scotland on behalf of the Home Office.

Local authorities

All local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are expected to take part in the UK Government’s full dispersal model. This national approach spreads accommodation more evenly across the country.

Local authorities:

• do not choose where asylum accommodation is located
• cannot prevent a property from being used
• can advise the Home Office on local impacts

We are not responsible for housing people who are seeking asylum. We do have statutory duties once someone has been granted asylum or refugee status and has the right to remain in the UK.

No council funding is used to place or accommodate people seeking asylum. This is funded by the UK Government alone.