§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his current estimate of the cost of providing(a) accommodation, (b) support for essential living needs and (c) expenses incurred in connection with (i) a claim for asylum and (ii) an appeal made in relation to it for each asylum seeker receiving support under his proposed asylum support system. [83956]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe are not yet in a position to estimate the cost of providing accommodation. We shall shortly be setting up arrangements for the supply of 369W accommodation by local authorities, housing associations and the private sector. The accommodation will be furnished and will be supplied with essential equipment and utensils. Council tax and utility charges will be paid separately. The proposed levels of support for other essential living needs and expenses incurred in connection with a claim for asylum or appeal were set out in the Information Document published on 22 March.
§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of establishing the administrative machinery for the proposed Home Office asylum support system. [83960]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe consultants KPMG were engaged in February to consider the size and administrative costs of the administrative machinery for the new Asylum Support Directorate. Their report is being assessed. Administrative costs will cover not only the staff and other resources for the Asylum Support Directorate, but also grants to the voluntary sector for their contribution to the new arrangements.