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<p><del class="ministerial">It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member
in the time available before Prorogation.</del></p><p><ins class="ministerial">Existing
contractors based onsite carried out the work. There was no cost to the taxpayer.</ins></p><p><ins
class="ministerial">Whilst the murals have been removed, other features at the facility
include larger and softer interview rooms, an outside space, prayer rooms, a larger
reception area and improved security measures to ensure the safety of those on site.
The KIU is a bespoke building that was opened in 2022 designed to meet the needs of
unaccompanied minors, with increased capacity allowing more children to be seen and
their requirements identified as swiftly as possible.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">It
should be noted that very few under-13s pass through the Kent Intake Unit and these
children are prioritised to be moved to Kent County Council care at the earliest opportunity.
The overwhelming majority of unaccompanied children who passed through the location
last year were largely teenagers. The Home Office has worked closely with Local Authorities,
including increase funding, to expedite the transfer time so that unaccompanied minors
reach local authorities as soon as possible. </ins></p>
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