Commentary on Sections Use of centres Section 17: Support for destitute asylum-seeker
72.Subsection (1) of section 17 gives the Secretary of State power to provide accommodation in an accommodation centre, or to arrange for the provision of such accommodation through another party (for example a local authority or private sector contractor). Accommodation in an accommodation centre may be provided to asylum-seekers and their dependants who are destitute or likely to become destitute within a period to be prescribed by regulations - this will allow the Secretary of State to start making arrangements in anticipation of actual destitution. “Asylum-seeker” is defined in section 18, “dependant” in section 20 and “destitution” in section 19. Subsection (2) enables the Secretary of State to make regulations about the procedure to be followed in providing accommodation in an accommodation centre and subsection (3) gives examples of the particular provisions which may be included in the regulations.