Asylum

Roles and responsibilities

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

People seeking asylum, who are assessed as destitute, are provided with accommodation and financial support by the Home Office while their asylum claim is being assessed.

Accommodation is procured and managed by Mears, the current asylum accommodation provider in Scotland, on behalf of the Home Office.

The Home Office and its contractors are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of people in asylum dispersal properties. However, they may work with the local authority and health partners to ensure that safeguarding duties are fulfilled, and appropriate statutory services are delivered to people seeking asylum.

Accommodation is provided on a no-choice basis, and people seeking asylum must live in the accommodation offered by the Home Office.

Participation in asylum dispersal is mandatory for all local authorities in the UK.

Local authorities do not choose where asylum accommodation is located. They cannot prevent a property from being used, but can provide advice to the Home Office.

Local authorities are not responsible for housing people who are seeking asylum. However, they have a statutory duty to provide support once people have been granted asylum or refugee status and the right to remain in the UK.

No Council funding is used to pay for the accommodation or placement of asylum seekers. It is funded by the UK Government alone.