Section 4

This page gives information about section 4 support, including detailed guidance on section 4, and information about the transfer of those using section 4 accommodation to target contract accommodation.

Under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, the UK Border Agency may provide accommodation to failed asylum seekers who have a temporary barrier to leaving the UK and who would otherwise be destitute. The Section 4 support page in the Asylum section contains a simple guide to this. The section 4 key points of reference, which you can find under 'Related documents' on the right side of this page, contain more detailed information.

Section 4 transition project

Our two-year accommodation contracts with private-sector providers of section 4 accommodation expired during 2007. The Section 4 Transition to Target Contracts project was established to manage the integration of service users (those using the accommodation) into accommodation provided under new target contracts.

Our policy is to offer all asylum support accommodation on a no-choice basis, although individual special circumstances are taken into account. However, we engaged with key regional stakeholders to help manage the transition phase as effectively as possible with minimal disruption to all involved.

The project successfully transferred 7,000 section 4 service users to target contract accommodation around the country by the end of January 2008. This was followed by the transfer of around 400 section 4 service users in London to accommodation in the regions. All successful new applicants for section 4 accommodation are now being accommodated with target providers.

What are target contracts?

Regionally based target contracts were awarded to providers (both private and public) in January 2006 for the provision of accommodation to asylum seekers under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. The contracts are scheduled to run for five years. Target contracts have increased flexibility, ensuring that contracts continue to meet the UK Border Agency's business needs as our requirements evolve.

The contracts provide a more even spread of accommodation, and reduce over-reliance on a particular region or provider. They are more robust and accountable than the previous contracts. The requirements of the contracts ensure that providers are more aware of regional issues and build better relationships with regional partners.

Under target contracts, all section 4 accommodation will meet the same specifications as section 95 accommodation. For details of these standards, see Standards required for asylum accommodation (PDF 68K opens in new window).

The contracts place explicit obligations on accommodation providers to contribute towards social cohesion. Providers are specifically required to consider social tension and the increased risk of disharmony when choosing where to place an unsuccessful asylum seeker. They will need to liaise with, and take into account the views of, key regional stakeholders such as the police, primary care trusts, One Stop Services, Citizens Advice and local authorities. Providers must obtain prior local authority consent for location of properties not currently used as asylum support accommodation.

Target contract accommodation providers

East of England
Clearsprings (Management) Ltd

East Midlands
East Midlands Consortium
Priority Properties North West Ltd
Refugee Housing Association

London
Clearsprings (Management) Ltd
United Property Management Ltd

North East
Angel London Limited
Jomast Ltd
North East Consortium

North West
Happy Homes
Liverpool City Council
North West Consortium
Priority Properties North West Ltd
United Property Management Ltd

Scotland
Angel London Limited
YMCA Glasgow

South Central and East
Clearsprings (Management) Ltd

South West
Clearsprings (Management) Ltd

Wales
Cardiff City Council
Clearsprings (Management) Ltd
Swansea City Council

West Midlands
Priority Properties North West Ltd
United Property Management
West Midlands Consortium

Yorkshire and Humberside
Angel London Limited
Priority Properties North West Ltd
United Property Management
Yorkshire and Humberside Public Sector Group