§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the consultation period is for the siting of reception centres for refugees and asylum seekers. [91438]
§ Beverley HughesAt the point where The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) expresses an interest in a particular property or location, and where there is no change of use, local authorities are given two weeks to provide NASS with any concerns they have regarding the potential use of the accommodation as some form of housing for asylum seekers. Where a change in use is required, as in the case of accommodation centres, local authorities have been given eight weeks to respond. However, it is clear that, in those instances when NASS intends to proceed with a contract, consultation and dialogue should continue beyond these minimum periods, and I have ensured that in future this will be the case.