Y Pwyllgor Cydraddoldeb, Llywodraeth Leol a Chymunedau/
Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee
ELGC(5)-02-17 Papur 3/ Paper 3

12 January 2017

Dear James,

The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee of the National Assembly for Wales is undertaking an inquiry into refugees and asylum seekers in Wales.

The Committee has received evidence from a range of people and organisations drawing attention to concerns about the quality of housing and related services provided to asylum seekers, and to confusion about where responsibility for monitoring and ensuring quality lies.

The written evidence submitted to the Committee can be found at http://senedd.assembly.wales/mgConsultationDisplay.aspx?id=228&RPID=1008224700&cp=yes and transcripts of oral evidence sessions can be found at http://senedd.assembly.wales/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=15159.

As some of the evidence has mentioned your company, and has highlighted significant problems with the services you provide, the Committee would like to invite you to provide oral evidence, so that you have the opportunity to respond to the evidence we have received so far and to assist Members in gaining a more thorough understanding of the situation facing asylum seekers in Wales.

In particular, the Committee would welcome evidence on the following topics:

· What specific responsibilities you have under your contract with the Home Office to asylum seekers in Wales, including whether you are responsible for ensuring that initial health screening takes place and that English lessons are available (as these have been highlighted to the Committee as problem areas).

· What performance measures you use, or are required to use, to ensure that the accommodation you offer is of a satisfactory quality; the methodology and frequency of monitoring performance and reporting to the Home Office; and the processes in place to receive and investigate complaints

· Your response to the specific problems highlighted to the Committee in written and oral evidence. For further information on the specific problems please refer to the written evidence and oral transcripts. If you need any further information, please contact the Clerking team on either 0300 200 6565 or SeneddCommunities@assembly.wales

 As the Committee is coming to the end of its inquiry, the only available day to take oral evidence from you is Thursday 19 January. I realise that this is short notice, but I would much appreciate it if you could make yourselves or appropriate staff available, and I am able to offer some flexibility on timings to assist with this. If you are unable to attend Committee on that date, I would be grateful if you could provide written evidence as soon as possible, ideally by Wednesday 18 January but at the latest by Thursday 2 February.

Yours faithfully,

John Griffiths AM