asked Her Majesty's Government:

What criteria the Home Office now applies when dispersing asylum seekers across the country.[HL6242]

In considering dispersal, a range of issues is taken into consideration, such as an adequate supply of suitable accommodation and relevant support services with the aim of maintaining good community cohesion. Under the new regional accommodation contracts, the arrangements for placing asylum seekers are now considered on a regular basis by regional strategic groups. Key local stakeholders including local authorities, the police, the health sector, the voluntary sector and the accommodation providers are represented.