'Ensuring people have a safe and secure place to live': British Red Cross response to PAC report on asylum accommodation

The Public Accounts Committee's report, published today, looks into the use of accommodation to house people seeking asylum in the UK. 

Alex Fraser, Director of Refugee Support and Restoring Family Links at British Red Cross, responds below: 

 "This report should spring the Government into action. Ensuring people have a safe and secure place to live has to be a key part of the fairer and compassionate asylum system the Government has said it wants to create. 

"Up and down the UK the British Red Cross works with people made vulnerable by the trauma of fleeing unimaginable horrors and life-threatening journeys to the UK, stuck in inappropriate accommodation for far too long. We see the long-lasting negative impacts this has on peoples' mental and physical health. 

“At a minimum, these people, including women and children, should have a supportive, safe and secure place to start to rebuild their lives. We continue to urge the Government to find alternative, safe and more humane accommodation options.” 

For more information: 

• 0207 877 7557 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or 07710 391703 (Out of hours – media only) 
• press@redcross.org.uk