Written questions by Lowe.

With reference to the contract, Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services, procurement reference CCTM22A01, on what date Corporate Travel Management (North) Limited was notified that it had been awarded the contract, and which Minister approved the award.

Prior to receiving internal, Home Office Commercial approvals, to award this contract supplier performance was reviewed and due diligence was carried out. Necessary external approvals from Cabinet Office Spend Controls were also obtained prior to the contract award. The guidance for Cabinet Office Spend Controls applies to commercial activities costing £20 million or more, and is published on gov.uk at: Commercial spend controls (version 7) - GOV.UK.The final contract signature was completed on 24 March 2023.All Home Office contracts are procured in line with public sector procurement regulations. As part of these regulations, robust checks are carried out on suppliers’ ability to deliver the contract in question and, in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to exclude bidders in line with relevant regulations.CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract was a direct award under the CCS Travel and Venue Solutions Framework Agreement (RM6217) – Lot 2. CTM were the sole supplier within Lot 2.Financial information cannot be provided in the granular detail requested.

What the value, annual spend to date and forecast annual spend are for the contract entitled Provision of Security Services at Home Office Contingency Accommodation held with Mitie Limited with contract start date 16 September 2022; and what sites are covered by that contract.

Security services under this contract are provided at the Scampton and Wethersfield sites.Information on the overall contract value is available publicly: Provision of Security Services at Home Office Contingency Accommodation - Contracts FinderAnnual spend and forecast spend are considered commercially sensitive and cannot be disclosed.

What performance metrics and contractual KPIs are used across Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract regions; and what the latest performance results are for each supplier by region.

The Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contracts (AASC) include a comprehensive suite of contractual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service level requirements which apply across all regions. These metrics cover core areas such as property standards, timely provision of accommodation and subsistence, safeguarding obligations, management of service requests, and delivery of operational reporting.The full set of contractual KPIs for each AASC region has been published online and can be accessed via Contracts Finder at the following links:AASC - Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract NW - Contracts FinderAASC - Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract MEE - Contracts Finder AASC - Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract NEYH - Contracts FinderAASC - Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract Scotland - Contracts FinderAASC - Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract NI - Contracts Finder AASC - Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract Wales - Contracts FinderAASC - Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract South - Contracts FinderPerformance results for the AASC contracts are commercially sensitive. Releasing detailed, supplier‑level performance data could undermine the Department’s ability to manage and assure the delivery of these live contracts effectively. For this reason, the Home Office does not publish individual supplier performance results.

What the value, annual spend to date and forecast annual spend are for the contract entitled (a) Independent Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children (UASCs) Support Service held with the British Refugee Council with start date 9 February 2022, (b) Language Services - Translation and Interpretation held with thebigword Group Limited with start date 29 February 2024 and (c) Contract for the provision of Home Office and Asylum Interviews held with VF Services (UK) Limited with start date 6 August 2024; and what the principal deliverables and KPIs are under each contract.

Information on the overall contract values and associated contractual details is publicly available via Contracts Finder at the following links:Independent Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children (UASCs) Support Service - Contracts FinderLanguage Services - Translation & Interpretation - Contracts FinderContract for the provision of Home Office and Asylum Interviews - Contracts FinderAnnual spend and forecast spend are considered commercially sensitive and therefore cannot be disclosed.

What the breakdown of costs by financial year is for the contract with Migrant Help entitled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility since 1 March 2019.

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

How many complaints have been received relating to accommodation standards under the Asylum Accommodation and Support Services Contract series since 1 March 2019; and what proportion were upheld by supplier and year.

Complaints relating specifically to accommodation standards are recorded and reviewed as part of the department’s wider contract management regime. However, detailed information on the number of such complaints received since 1 March 2019, and the proportion upheld by supplier and by year, forms part of contractual performance data that is considered commercially sensitive. As such, this data is not published.

What the (a) contractual value, (b) annual spend to date and (c) forecast annual spend are for her Department's contract with Migrant Help between 2019 and 2029.

Information on the overall contract value is available publicly: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility - Contracts FinderAnnual spend and forecast spend are considered commercially sensitive and cannot be disclosed.

What services are provided under the contract entitled CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract held with Corporate Travel Management (North) Limited with contract start date 26 February 2023.

Accommodation and travel services are currently provided under CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract. Information on the overall contract value is available publicly: CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract - Contracts FinderAnnual spend and forecast spend are considered commercially sensitive and cannot be disclosed.

What the value, annual spend to date and forecast annual spend are for the contract entitled CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract held with Corporate Travel Management (North) Limited with contract start date 26 February 2023.

Accommodation and travel services are currently provided under CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract. Information on the overall contract value is available publicly: CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract - Contracts FinderAnnual spend and forecast spend are considered commercially sensitive and cannot be disclosed.

What procurement route was used for the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility; and whether it was awarded via open tender.

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

What proportion of spending under the contract entitled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility has been paid to subcontractors; which subcontractors have received payments; and what services those payments were for.

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

What the cost of the 24-hour service provision under the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility is; and what assessment was made of the value for money of providing a 24-hour service.

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

What Key Performance Indicators and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility, including any KPIs relating to call handling times, resolution rates, and complaint outcomes.

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Which (a) Ministers and (b) Senior Civil Servants approved the award of the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility to Migrant Help and CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract - Contracts Finder Contract, with a start date of 26 February 2023; and on what date that approval was given.

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Whether bidders for contracts above £50 million are required to disclose executive pay, profit margins and anticipated rates of return.

Where Home Office Commercial use Key Subcontractors to deliver critical services, controls are in place to test their financial health throughout the life of the contract and performance monitored through KPIs.The Home Office Commercial Assurance Board provides independent assurance for all procurement and Contracts above £10m.The Commercial Assurance Board undertakes an assessment and approval at key stages of the commercial lifecycle (Strategic Outline case, outline business case and full business case) before the Contract is awarded.Assurance and assessment of commercial and legal risks, value for money, compliance with regulations and how Social Value will be delivered in the Contracts is completed ahead of Contract Award.Home Office commercial undertake a robust financial assessment of all Bidders financial health and viability to deliver contracts as part of the financial evaluation in procurements over £50m and these principles apply to all procurements.For high value and complex contracts, Bidders are requested to provide a competed FVRA (Financial Viability Risk Assessment) which includes profitability ratios, debt ratios, liquidity ratios and solvency ratios. If Bidders are unable to meet the required thresholds, then they are removed from the procurement process.Other information required would only be available at a disproportionate cost.

What due diligence processes her Department undertakes before awarding contracts valued above £10 million.

Where Home Office Commercial use Key Subcontractors to deliver critical services, controls are in place to test their financial health throughout the life of the contract and performance monitored through KPIs.The Home Office Commercial Assurance Board provides independent assurance for all procurement and Contracts above £10m.The Commercial Assurance Board undertakes an assessment and approval at key stages of the commercial lifecycle (Strategic Outline case, outline business case and full business case) before the Contract is awarded.Assurance and assessment of commercial and legal risks, value for money, compliance with regulations and how Social Value will be delivered in the Contracts is completed ahead of Contract Award.Home Office commercial undertake a robust financial assessment of all Bidders financial health and viability to deliver contracts as part of the financial evaluation in procurements over £50m and these principles apply to all procurements.For high value and complex contracts, Bidders are requested to provide a competed FVRA (Financial Viability Risk Assessment) which includes profitability ratios, debt ratios, liquidity ratios and solvency ratios. If Bidders are unable to meet the required thresholds, then they are removed from the procurement process.Other information required would only be available at a disproportionate cost.

What proportion of her Department's major contracts are delivered via subcontractors; and what controls exist to ensure accountability for subcontracted delivery.

Where Home Office Commercial use Key Subcontractors to deliver critical services, controls are in place to test their financial health throughout the life of the contract and performance monitored through KPIs.The Home Office Commercial Assurance Board provides independent assurance for all procurement and Contracts above £10m.The Commercial Assurance Board undertakes an assessment and approval at key stages of the commercial lifecycle (Strategic Outline case, outline business case and full business case) before the Contract is awarded.Assurance and assessment of commercial and legal risks, value for money, compliance with regulations and how Social Value will be delivered in the Contracts is completed ahead of Contract Award.Home Office commercial undertake a robust financial assessment of all Bidders financial health and viability to deliver contracts as part of the financial evaluation in procurements over £50m and these principles apply to all procurements.For high value and complex contracts, Bidders are requested to provide a competed FVRA (Financial Viability Risk Assessment) which includes profitability ratios, debt ratios, liquidity ratios and solvency ratios. If Bidders are unable to meet the required thresholds, then they are removed from the procurement process.Other information required would only be available at a disproportionate cost.

What the value, annual spend to date and forecast annual spend are for the contract entitled Support Payment Card held with Prepaid Financial Services Limited with contract start date 27 February 2021; and what the per-transaction and per-card cost structure is.

The total contract value is publicly available at: Support Payment Card - Contracts FinderInformation on spend to date, forecast spending and the per-transaction and per-card cost structure is commercially sensitive.

Who signs off asylum related contracts in her Department.

Internal Home Office Commercial approvals are required before awarding contracts. In addition, Cabinet Office Spend Controls approvals are also required.The guidance for Cabinet Office Spend Controls applies to commercial activities with a value of £20 million or more and is published on GOV.UK under Commercial Spend Controls (version 7).

How many penalty deductions, service credits and contractual remedies have been applied to suppliers under the Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract series since 1 March 2019 by supplier and year.

The Department has recovered £74 million in the current financial year through profit-share repayments and service credits – the largest restitution since the contracts were mobilised.The information requested on how many penalty deductions, service credits and contractual remedies have been applied to suppliers under the Asylum Accommodation & Support Services Contract (AASC) series since 1 March 2019, broken down by supplier and by year, is considered commercially sensitive.Regular disclosure of such detailed contractual performance data would prejudice the commercial interests of both the Home Office and its suppliers. For this reason, the Department does not routinely publicly release this information.