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Written question asked by Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Jo White (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum: Applications

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of UK asylum processing backlogs on Scottish local authority public services.

Answer

We have restored order to what was a huge backlog of cases, with a streamlined and stable caseload that can be processed quickly and efficiently, ensuring people spend less time awaiting an initial asylum decision.

At the end of June 2026 there were 40,168 people (relating to 32,401 cases) awaiting an initial decision, 56% less than at the end of June 2025 and the lowest level since June 2019.

The Home Office recognises the importance of a smooth transition for individuals leaving asylum accommodation following a positive asylum decision. We have deployed Asylum Move On Liaison Officers (AMLOs) across the UK, including in Glasgow and Aberdeenshire. AMLOs work with newly granted refugees, local authorities and partner organisations to support successful move on from asylum accommodation.

The Home Office continues to engage regularly with local authorities, Strategic Migration Partnerships and other stakeholders to understand local pressures and address issues raised by local partners.

To support local planning and preparedness, the Home Office shares the Discontinuation Prediction Tool (DPT) on a weekly basis. This provides a forward look of cases expected to enter the discontinuation process and the potential number of individuals who may seek support from local authorities following a positive asylum decision.

Following notification from the Home Office that a decision has been served, accommodation providers notify local authorities within two working days. The Home Office continues to work with accommodation providers to support consistent and timely notifications across all areas.

The steps we have already taken to streamline the asylum process and increase our efficiency are paying off and is an important achievement in building an asylum system that is efficient, sustainable and flexible.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19849
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Asylum Applications Administrative delays Scotland
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk