Commentary on Sections Use of centres Section 25: Length of stay
84.Subsection (1) is subject to the provisions of subsection (2). Subsection (1) prevents the Secretary of State from requiring a person to reside in an accommodation centre if he has been a resident of an accommodation centre for a continuous period of six months. Subsection (2) enables the Secretary of State to require a person to remain in an accommodation centre for a maximum of 9 months if he thinks it appropriate in the particular circumstances of the case. Subsection (2) also makes clear that a person may choose to remain in an accommodation centre beyond the maximum periods contained in this section in agreement with the Secretary of State. Subsection (4) enables the Secretary of State to make an order to shorten the maximum periods.