To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what impact assessment her Department has undertaken on the creation of the Immigration Enforcement Competent Authority; and what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the creation of that Authority on the willingness of victims of trafficking to enter the National Referral Mechanism.

The creation of the Immigration Enforcement Competent Authority (IECA) was an internal restructure within the Home Office. A full assessment of the Public Sector Equality Duty was undertaken and in line with our ongoing duty, will be kept under review.

We will conduct reviews of the process and publish data on decision-making times, to ensure consistency and transparency.

Immigration Enforcement’s immediate priority is always the welfare of the individual, and to ensure that all vulnerable migrants receive the support and assistance they need regardless of their immigration status. Immigration Enforcement already make decisions on key safeguarding and vulnerability matters, such as the Adults at Risk policy and human rights decisions and will receive training on NRM decisions.