Housing asylum seekers in former army barracks ruled unlawful for victims of torture
Summary
A court ruled that the government acted unlawfully by forcing asylum seekers who are survivors of torture and trafficking to share rooms in housing. The ruling challenges plans to house more asylum seekers in shared accommodations, including former army barracks.Key Facts
- The High Court found the policy requiring torture survivors to share rooms unlawful.
- Survivors of trafficking, torture, and violence were forced to share rooms without proper risk assessment.
- The government did not consult charities that support torture survivors before changing the policy.
- Before February 2024, survivors were generally not forced to share rooms.
- About 10,000 survivors currently housed in shared accommodations could be affected by this ruling.
- The ruling may affect plans to move asylum seekers out of hotels into barracks and shared housing.
- The Home Office has housed about 350 people in former barracks at Crowborough and plans for more at Cameron barracks face delays.
- The Home Office will need to review or revise the policy, including consulting experts and conducting impact assessments.
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