Lord German Urges Government to Consider Allowing Asylum Seekers to Work to Ease Pressures on Asylum Accommodation

There was a Lords Chamber debate today on Asylum Seekers: Accommodation following an oral question by Lord Young of Cookham on the progress made by the government in moving asylum seekers from accommodation in hotels.

Lord Young of Cookham questioned the UK government on progress in reducing asylum seekers' reliance on hotel accommodation, highlighting Labour's manifesto pledge to end their use and noting the high costs involved.

Responding on behalf of the government, Lord Hanson, the Minister of State for the Home Office, stated the government’s commitment to reducing hotel use through reforms like streamlining asylum processing and tackling people-smuggling.

Lord Young suggested a more coordinated approach with local authorities, arguing it would reduce costs, improve integration, and enhance efficiency in managing asylum seekers.

Adding to the discussion, RAMP Associate Lord German asked the government to consider allowing asylum seekers to work as a way to reduce the need for accommodation and cut costs. This point was also raised by Baroness Coussins who questioned why allowing asylum seekers to work has not been urgently implemented.