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<p>Hotel accommodation is a temporary means to accommodate the increased number of
unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) arriving in the UK and is only ever a
contingency option, not a long-term solution. The high number of UASC arrivals, particularly
because of small boat crossings, has placed unprecedented pressure on the National
Transfer Scheme (NTS). Out of necessity, the Home Office have accommodated UASC on
an emergency and temporary basis in hotels while placements with local authorities
have been vigorously pursued.</p><p>The High Court recently ruled that the routine
and systematic use of hotels to accommodate UASC is unlawful, and we are working at
pace with Kent County Council, other government departments and local authorities
across the UK to ensure suitable local authority placements are provided for UASC
urgently and sustainably.</p><p>The High Court has upheld that local authorities have
a statutory duty to care for all children including UASC. The Home Office have always
maintained that the best place for UASC to be accommodated is within a local authority.</p>
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