Contingency accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees

Information about temporary accommodation.

There are a number of facilities across the country, including here in West Sussex, that provide contingency accommodation to both people seeking asylum in the UK and people settling here as refugees. These are sometimes hotels used temporarily when no other safe options are available.

All contingency accommodation facilities for both asylum seekers and refugees are run by the government.

Contingency accommodation for people seeking asylum in the UK is managed by the Home Office.

Asylum seekers are people who have fled their own country to seek protection in another country by applying for refugee status.

Contingency accommodation for refugees is managed by the Ministry of Defence.

Refugees in the UK are people who have left their own country and come here under a government approved resettlement scheme. These schemes offer a safe and legal route to vulnerable refugees in need of protection.

Most people who come to the UK in these situations are often fleeing very dangerous circumstances in their own country. This can include war, violence, natural disasters and other factors that put theirs and their families’ lives at risk. They usually come here as a last resort, but they want to build a better life for themselves and look to integrate with communities here.

Contingency accommodation supports them to do so temporarily while longer-term solutions are found.

Contingency accommodation for people seeking asylum in the UK is managed by the Home Office as part of its statutory duties.

The Home Office subcontracts a partner to run all services within the accommodation.

Neither West Sussex County Council, nor any of the district and borough councils in the county, has a role in the day-to-day running of facilities used for contingency asylum accommodation.

The government publishes details of the support it provides to people seeking asylum.

Contingency accommodation for refugees is managed by the Ministry of Defence.

People seeking asylum in the UK can apply for asylum support if they are destitute.

The Home Office has a statutory obligation to provide support including accommodation to destitute asylum seekers whilst their claims are being considered.

Facilities such as hotels are sometimes used to boost the availability of suitable accommodation resources.

There are a number of sites used for contingency accommodation in West Sussex and the status of each can change on a regular basis.

The county council does not run these sites and so does not confirm their locations.

The government decides who is housed in contingency accommodation based on need.

The government may need to move people staying in these facilities to other areas of the country based on need.

Where asylum is granted and someone is recognised as a refugee, they are allowed to remain in UK with rights to work, study and find a place to live.

There is no rule to say people must settle where they have been staying temporarily.

Yes. They can access local health services in the same way any person visiting West Sussex on a temporary basis would do. The government publishes details of the support it provides to people seeking asylum.

West Sussex accepts and supports refugees from around the world under government schemes.

Everyone has the right to go about their daily lives without the fear of abuse.

Hate incidents and hate crimes are not tolerated in West Sussex.

If you experience, witness, or become aware of abusive behaviour that you believe is targeted to yours or someone else’s race, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, please report it to our Hate Incident Support Service.

By reporting it, you will also have the option to access free, confidential help from Victim Support.

The county council is aware of public comments and social media content claiming to detail information about sites used as contingency accommodation.

We urge people to be very careful before engaging with or sharing such content and strongly recommend you only do so with content from trusted, credible sources.

If you’re not sure about information you’ve seen, try cross-referencing the information from other sources and check one of the many online fact-checking tools such as:

Spreading misinformation and disinformation can create tension in our community and may even put lives at risk.

There are many online guides on how to counter misinformation and disinformation and we encourage you to do your own research.

Find out how you can help support refugees.

Last updated:
6 August 2025
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