MPs criticise ‘lack of local government oversight’ of detained children

1 Dec 09
Local authorities should play a greater role in the wellbeing of children being detained in the immigration system, MPs have said
By Jaimie Kaffash

1 December 2009

Local authorities should play a greater role in the wellbeing of children being detained in the immigration system, MPs have said.

The home affairs select committee said that councils should be kept fully informed of families awaiting removal from the UK for remaining in the country illegally. Local authorities should ‘vigorously undertake’ their statutory responsibilities with regards to the welfare of children held in the area, which is not currently happening.

Its report, Detention of children in the immigration system, published on November 29, also claimed that detention ‘should only ever be used as a last resort’ as the chances of families absconding was ‘very low’. However, it added, ‘it is not uncommon’ for children to be held for up to 61 days. The cost of holding a family of four for four to eight weeks could be £20,000, it said.  

Committee chair Keith Vaz said: ‘It is not acceptable that we are detaining so many children for such long periods of time - these children have done nothing wrong, they should not be being punished.

‘As long as these children are in the UK their welfare is our responsibility – we would like to see the local authority where the child is detained become more involved in their wellbeing.’

The committee also recommended that, after a fortnight’s detention and every seven days after, the UK Border Agency should inform the Home Office why the detention is justified and whether any further time is necessary.

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