Successful dispersal of asylum seekers
On 22 December 2005, Home Office published a report (An exploration of factors affecting the Successful dispersal of asylum seekers (RDS Online report 50/05)) which is based on statistical analysis, interviews and focus groups. Under the Dispersal policy, the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) agrees contracts with Providers, who accommodate and support asylum seekers. In 2005/6 existing contracts expire, and research was undertaken to inform the Accommodation Strategy for new contracts.
Key findings are:
- Local authorities with higher proportions of dispersed asylum seekers tended to have higher proportions of vacant housing stock, residents in Social Grade E (i.e. on state benefit, unemployed or in lowest grade jobs), and a significantly increased likelihood of incidents of harassment and assault of asylum seekers.
- Stakeholders said that while NASS has improved dispersal substantially, they would welcome increased dialogue on the selection of dispersal areas, to ensure that local knowledge can inform the process.
- Respondents called for: more consistent and comprehensive induction for asylum seekers before and after dispersal; advanced notice to stakeholders on asylum seekers’ needs; appropriate information about asylum seekers for host communities; more detailed and standardised contracts; and improved monitoring of accommodation standards.
The research makes recommendations to maximise success in Dispersal, and some have already been addressed - for example the Statement of Requirements issued to bidders for new contracts now specifies services and standards required in greater detail.
The full report can be viewed on the Home Office website (pdf).
